tag:peatix.com,2011:1 2023-07-18T04:57:18+08:00 Peatix The Black Sampan tag:peatix.com,2023:event-3634396 2023-07-15T15:00:00SGT 2023-07-15T15:00:00SGT

This Atap Assembly, we are delving into the deep-rooted connections between plants and our cultural identity, where we spotlight the significance of plants like the betel leaf, pandan leaf and others that can be found on Singapore's Southern islands.Discover the Betel Leaf, a plant revered for centuries across many Asian cultures for its ceremonial and medicinal uses. Faris Joraimi shares more about the rituals and customs associated with betel leaf chewing and explores its representation in ancient folklore and traditional ceremonies.Explore the Pandan Leaf, a botanical gem that exudes an intoxicating aroma and is deeply ingrained in the culinary traditions of various cultures. While it is widely used in many pandan-infused delicacies, Hafiz Rashid delves into the artistic realm of skilled craftsmen and intricate weaving techniques used to create traditional tikar mengkuang (woven mats) and more. Firdaus Sani navigates us through stories, folklore, and ancestral anecdotes related to plants found on the Southern islands that were used for medicinal and spiritual practices, from plants that were foraged for food to the ones used to cure ailments like haemorrhoids. On 15 July 2023, we'd like to engage with you in an insightful discussion on the role of plants in heritage and cultural preservation. Join us on a botanical journey where horticulture, history, and culture intertwine.About the speakers:Faris Joraimi is a PhD student focusing on the history of the Malay world. His research interests include concepts of time, narrative traditions, leisure and Islam in the early modern period.Hafiz Rashid is an experienced museum docent who has been volunteering with NHB since 2013. As a trained docent, he has conducted tours at various institutions such as the Malay Heritage Centre (MHC), the National Library (NL) and the Eurasian Heritage Gallery (EHG).  He is interested in learning about the history, culture, folklore and languages of the Malay Archipelago (Nusantara), with a special focus on the textile traditions of this region. Hence, he is also an avid textile collector; his textile collection includes Javanese batiks, ikats from Flores & Timor & malongs from Mindanao. He is often seen wearing these textiles on his tours and incorporates them in his storytelling, sharing the stories behind their motifs and designs - stories with deep links to the past.Firdaus Sani is a fourth-generation Orang Laut/Pulau descendant whose ancestry can be traced to the islanders of Singapore’s Southern islands and the Riau Islands. In 2020, Firdaus started Orang Laut SG (@oranglautsg), a page dedicated to retelling stories of Pulau Semakau through photographs and personal anecdotes from his family who experienced life on the island. He has a keen interest in cultural conservation and strives to bridge the gap between sustainability and indigenous traditions.  About the event: This event is a collaboration between Ethos Books, Orang Laut SG and The Black Sampan. Hosted by the good folks of Dakota Dreams, a bookstore run by retirees selling children's books and comics by Singapore authors, as well as pre-loved titles. This will be the first time an Atap Assembly session is hosted outside its usual location. For this session, participants will be treated to food prepared by the women and former islanders of Pulau Semakau, Mdm Nooraini and Mdm Rohaini. The dishes include Asam Pedas Ikan Tenggiri, Sotong Hitam, Sambal Udang, Ikan Kering and ulam. Jom, let's makan and chit-chat!