Sarawak Islamic Museum
Andrea and I stopped by the Dewan Tun Abdul Razak Museum to pick up some documentation. We were actually already on the way out when we passed the back of the Islamic Museum and the building looked rather interesting. Since the both of us never been inside, we decided to drop in.
Who would have thought the Islamic Museum would be so facinating?
Okay, anyone with an interest in old things should find something to stare at here, but I was never really drawn to visit because the education system effectively killed my interest in anything local, historical or Islamic. After having an unexpectedly fun time at the interactive exhibition on the contribution of Islamic scientists at the Dewan Tun Abdul Razak Museum, I was a little more open to the experience.
The building itself is beautiful. It was two panels of stained glass with what I assume is a Quran verse in its design. I spotted the one in front from the outside, but it was even more breathtaking from the inside when the sunlight lights the whole thing up. I wish I could take photographs, but alas, no photo-taking in museums.
There are seven galleries in all:
1 – History of the coming of Islam to the Malay-Indonesia Archipelago
2 – Islamic Architeture
3 – Science, technology, economics, education and literature
4 – Music and costumes
5 – Weaponary
6 – Decorative arts and domestic utensils
7 – The Holy Quran corner
I didn't read the information much although I tried in the beginning. The exhibits were much more interesting. Pen boxes, charm holders, furniture, carved windows and doors, decorative tiles, armour, weapons, pots, camel saddles and musical instruments!
Normally I won't touch any of the exhibits but there was a chainmail shirt hanging there and I couldn't resist. I only picked up an edge and that little bit is already so heavy.
The swords and spears and picks are droolworthy. Shiny stabbity things! Yeah, I'm facinated by ancient weapons.
That gallery even had what we take to be old illustrations on how to properly handle certain weapons. The art looked rather Japanese-inspired because it reminds me of traditional Japanese art you find in temples and old documents, only in black and white. Some of the other art looked Persian and Indian, but that comes as no surprise.
The old furniture were also close enough to touch. Some of them were inlaid with mother-of-pearl and some are so small they looked like they were made for kids or a small adult.
When we were at the opening of the Textile Museum, I noticed that there were no "Do not touch" signs there either. Being textile, the urge to touch is almost instinctive! I mentioned this to one of the museum people and he only smiled but offered no explanation.
There was no notice not to touch at the Islamic Museum either and I'm beginning to wonder if this was intentional. Some of the exhibits are sturdy enough for minor handling, so why not? After all, the most fragile or irreplacable objects are locked in glass cases.
The museum is open to the public everyday except for major festive occasions. Opening hours are 9am – 6pm. Admission is free.
Legend of the Red Curse
by tarlia on October 10, 2005
in entertainment
Legend of the Red Curse
Originally uploaded by Tarlia.
This morning, I finished writing a review on The Legend of the Red Curse, which screened its first show on the 3rd Oct in the gala premiere at Star Cineplex.
It wasn’t easy to write for two reasons:
(1) I’ve been less kind to better movies than this. However, curse my inside knowledge on things that happened behind-the-scenes, which resulted in a great number of flaws in the movie, which resulted in me being unable to criticise much. I believe that the cast and crew are well too aware of this too, but they also know that they can’t stop now and and are making the best of it.
(2) Somebody had to have the balls to stick his neck out where a kicking off a Sarawakian feature film is concerned. There’s been plenty of nice little short films from our local film makers that will never see the big screen, but nobody’s made a big film for a rather obvious reason: lack of funds. Hock Star has money to burn, so why not? I do know that they aren’t stopping here and if anything, this has taught them how to make a movie better next time. Their “this is our first time” excuse has expired.
Anyway, the feedback is just starting to trickle in. You can see what people are saying at the following forums, which I’ll update as I find:
Sarawak Film Society CatsCity Cari.com.my
Petition to the Prime Minister
Doreena, who is like a large rock you cannot stop when she gets rolling, singlehandedly collected nearly 50 signatures for the Petition to the Prime Minister. In two days. That was supposed to be my copy of the petition but I surrendered it to her.
That's the woman triumphant above, with the completed set of forms.
You can read about the petition and sign at the links I've provided above.
