The Songket

Songket is a traditional Malay fabric that is woven using gold or silver threads to create intricate patterns. It is commonly used in weddings, religious ceremonies, and other special occasions.

Some common motifs used in songket include the bunga tanjung flower, geometric tumpal patterns, and intricate kerawang designs.

The flora of the forest has a significant influence on the motifs used in Malay songket. In the past, many Malay communities lived in traditional villages or settlements that were located in or near the forest.

Flower motifs are the most commonly used motifs in traditional Malay crafts. These motifs, inspired by flora, fauna, and cosmos, not only represent the aesthetic beauty of the craft but also hold moral teachings and animistic beliefs.

The sea hibiscus flower, known as the bunga tanjung, is one of the most beloved floral motifs used in Malay songket. Its intricate design is achieved through the skillful use of gold or silver threads, resulting in an elegant and timeless pattern on the fabric.

Malay songket also commonly features other floral motifs such as the bunga melur, or jasmine, and the bunga raya, or hibiscus flower, which is the national flower of Malaysia.