The indigenous community has a large role in shaping the graphics, arts and crafts movement in the country. ‘Gerai OA’ actively documents, revives and revitalises the indigenous craft heritage of Malaysia. Gerai OA conduct research, lectures, craft workshops and training sessions throughout Malaysia for and with the Orang Asal (OA), the indigenous minorities of Malaysia. This section explores the different indigenous community, their crafts and contributions toward the design heritage in Malaysia.
Indigenous Community
Crafts of the Semelai
The Semelai are part of the Orang Asli, the indigenous minorities of Peninsular Malaysia. The Orang Asli constitute less than 1% of the Malaysian population.
Crafts of the Semai
The Semai are the largest group within the Orang Asli, the indigenous minorities of Peninsular Malaysia. The Orang Asli constitute less than 1% of the
Crafts of a Temiar
The Temiar are the second largest group within the Orang Asli, the indigenous minorities of Peninsular Malaysia. The Orang Asli constitute less than 1% of
Crafts of the Temuan
The Temuan are the fourth largest group within the Orang Asli, the indigenous minorities of Peninsular Malaysia. The Orang Asli constitute less than 1% of
Crafts of the Rungus
The Momogun Rungus are part of the Anak Negeri, the indigenous peoples of Sabah. The Rungus have three main dialect groups, all residing in northern
Crafts of the Lun Bawang
The Lun Bawang are part of the Orang Ulu, the indigenous people of Sarawak. Inaccurately known (especially in older literature) as the Murut of
Crafts of the Jakun
The Jakun are the third largest group within the Orang Asli, the indigenous minorities of Peninsular Malaysia. The Orang Asli constitute less than 1% of
Crafts of the Jah Het
The Jah Het are part of the Orang Asli, the indigenous minorities of Peninsular Malaysia. The Orang Asli constitute less than 1% of the Malaysian
Crafts of the Hma’ Meri
The Hma' Meri (or more commonly spelled 'Mah Meri') are part of the Orang Asli, the indigenous minorities of Peninsular Malaysia. The Orang Asli constitute
Crafts of the Dusun
The Dusun are part of the Anak Negeri, the indigenous peoples of Sabah. The unified term Kadazandusun is now preferred; the thirty odd dialect groups
Crafts of the Bidayuh
The Bidayuh are part of the Orang Ulu, the indigenous minorities of Sarawak. Classified previously as part of the Land Dayak, the Bidayuh represent only
Gerai OA is a volunteer-run, mobile stall selling crafts, books and other materials by and about the Orang Asal (indigenous minorities) of Malaysia. And 100% of the sales price is returned to the artisan, their businesses or NGOs. For more info, go to www.facebook.com/geraioa
Photo credits Khing Su Li / Reita Rahim
