Browse Items (93 total)

The article details the characteristics, historical usage, and regional significance of the Kedah harvesting knife, also known as pisau penggiau, particularly its unique design and the dwindling traditional practice associated with it.

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During Rama II’s reign, a Malay mission traveled to Bangkok aiming to strengthen diplomatic ties and negotiate political matters. The mission highlighted the close but sometimes complicated relationship between the Malay states and the Siamese…

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The article by Rev. Fr. R. Cardon narrates a local tradition from the Malacca Pindah district, describing how Bukit Greja once belonged to Christians, detailing the arrival of priests and the establishment of a church and monastery, along with the…

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A special letter was written by a missionary who knew Munshi Abdullah personally. He quoted that Munshi Abdullah was a smart man who loved reading and writing. The letter helps us learn more about his life, thoughts, and how he worked with people…

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A fresh reconstruction of Sultan Mansur Shah’s palace in Malacca offers new insights into Malay royal architecture and historical design. Based on archaeological findings and historical records, the study gives a clearer picture of the palace’s…

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The article by R. O. Winstedt discusses the discovery of a tomb in North Sumatra with a unique Persian inscription, highlighting the historical significance and connections of Pasai, as well as the prominence of the name Husam al-Din in its history.

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The article by G. G. Hough explores the non-Islamic features of Malay graves, suggesting possible connections between the burial practices of the Jakun and certain Malay graves, despite the religious rites being predominantly Islamic.

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The article by D.E. Short and James C. Jackson reviews the development of irrigation policies in Malaya before the establishment of the Drainage and Irrigation Department, highlighting the significant investments in irrigation projects and the shift…

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The article provides an overview of Brunei's history, highlighting the neglect in scholarly attention towards its historical records, languages, and ancient tombs, and the need for further research and preservation of its cultural heritage.

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The article by Alastair Lamb discusses the search for the ancient port town of Kalah, looking at two possible sites in Malaysia and Thailand, both of which have important artifacts that might show they were once major trading hubs.

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Ahmat Majanu’s tombstone at Pengkalan Kempas is very old and special. It has writing in two scripts which is Jawi and Kawi which shows a mix of Islamic and older local cultures. The tomb belongs to a man named Sheikh Ahmad Majnun, and the writing…

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The article by R. O. Winstedt explores the connections between Alexander the Great and various Malay and Sumatran legends, particularly the association of Mount Meru and Chula with Alexander, drawing on historical sources and folklore to illustrate…

The article by Dato Sir Roland Braddell recounts the life and maritime adventures of his maternal grandfather, John Roberts Kirby, through his autobiographical "Life's Log," highlighting his voyages, family history, and the historical context of his…

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Anglo-Kedah relations between 1688 and 1765 were shaped by trade interests, diplomacy, and shifting regional power. The English East India Company sought access to Kedah’s resources and strategic ports, while Kedah’s rulers tried to balance foreign…

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The article by N. W. Simmonds provides a general survey of primitive archery in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, based on his travels in 1954-55, with a focus on botanical and technological aspects, supplemented by museum and library studies.

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The Baba Malay dialect is a special way of speaking used by the Baba Nyonya people, who are part Chinese and part Malay. It mixes Malay, Chinese, and a little bit of English. This dialect started a long time ago when Chinese people came to live in…

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The Chewong, also known as Siwong, are a small indigenous group in Peninsular Malaysia with unique beliefs, especially about nature and the spirit world. Their way of life is deeply tied to the forest, with customs that emphasize harmony, sharing,…

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The article by R. O. Winstedt examines the historical possibility that the Pasai Sultanate ruled Kedah in the 14th century, using evidence from a Malay sha'ir and various historical records to support the claim.

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Dutch records from Malacca, dating from 1685 to 1835, are preserved in the India Office Records at the British Library in London. These documents, transferred from Malacca in 1927, include materials from the Orphan Chamber and the Council of Justice,…

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Chinese writings from the 18th and 19th centuries describe the Malay Peninsula as a place full of trade, different cultures, and natural resources. These accounts show how Chinese travelers and officials viewed the region, focusing on its people,…

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Elephants and water played important symbolic and practical roles in seventeenth-century Acheh’s feasting ceremonies. Elephants were a sign of power and status, often featured in grand celebrations, while water rituals helped bless and purify events.…

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A checklist of English-language fiction linked to Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei is presented, covering works by both local and foreign writers. It serves as a useful guide for those interested in how these countries have been portrayed through…

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The article by Rev. Fr. J. Staal explores the folklore, historical settlement, and cultural characteristics of the Sadong Dayaks, emphasizing their timid nature, land disputes, and the gradual disappearance of their legends and traditions.

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The article by C. A. Gibson-Hull provides a brief biography of George Samuel Windsor Earl, highlighting his early life, career as a sailor, interest in languages, and contributions to translations and publications, despite the lack of detailed…

The article by Stanley J. O'Connor and Tom Harrisson explores the practice of placing gold-foil amulets in burials across Bali, the Philippines, and Borneo, highlighting the cultural significance and possible influences of this tradition.

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The article by John Bastin discusses the historical document "A Historical Sketch of the circumstances which led to the settlement of Penang & of the Trade to the Eastward previous to, and since that period" from 1794.

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The article by Prince John Lowenstein discusses the discovery of various types of neolithic ceramics, specifically hollow clay stands and censers, at different excavation sites in northern Malaya, highlighting their unique shapes and dimensions.

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Sir Hugh Clifford’s stories paint a picture of Malaya during British colonial times, focusing on village life, local customs, and the relationship between the British and Malays. His writing reflects both admiration and a colonial mindset, giving…

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Jawi literature in Patani has played a key role in preserving Islamic teachings and cultural identity in the region. Through religious texts, poetry, and legal writings in the Jawi script, local scholars maintained a strong connection to Islamic…

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Karayuki-san were Japanese women who came to Singapore between 1877 and 1941, often working as migrant workers or in the sex trade. Their stories reveal the hardships they faced, as well as how they adapted to life far from home. Their presence…

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Between 1821 and 1885, Kedah faced a period of turmoil marked by Siamese invasion, the Sultan’s exile, and efforts to regain the throne. The struggle involved political negotiations, shifting alliances, and local resistance. Despite setbacks, the…

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The article by R. O. Winstedt discusses the various romanizations and interpretations of the name "Gulanggi" or "Kulanggi" found in the Kedah Annals, highlighting its connection to the romance of Hikayat Amir Hamzah and the author's influences from…

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The article looks at a legal issue in Jelebu involving Adat Perpateh, a matrilineal custom practiced by the Minangkabau. It highlights the tension between traditional adat laws and modern legal systems, showing how local customs still play a strong…

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The article by R. O. Winstedt discusses the historical Malay titles, detailing their specific meanings and rules of descent, based on ancient customs and traditions from Malacca and Johor.

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The article by Alastair Lamb discusses the tradition of publishing brief preliminary reports on archaeological discoveries, focusing on the findings at the Kuala Selinsing site near Taiping, Perak, including a lost gold ring and surface collections…

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Munshi Abdullah’s Arab teachers had a strong influence on his education and thinking, especially in the areas of religion, language, and literature. Through them, he gained a deep understanding of Arabic and Islamic teachings, which shaped his later…

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Murray Ross Henderson played a key role in shaping botanical research in Malaya during the early to mid-20th century. Starting as a botanist at the Singapore Botanic Gardens in 1921, he became curator in 1924 and later served as Director from 1949 to…

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Discussed the misinterpreted usage of the term "Bajau". The term does not only represent an ethnic in Sabah, but its also the name of a river. Bajau represents a vast ethnic in the Borneo Island, not limited to one ethnicity.

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Nora Chatri in Kedah is explored as a traditional dance-drama with deep roots in local culture and ritual. The report gives an early look at its performance style, stories, and social role, showing how it remains an important part of Kedah’s cultural…

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The article by Alastair Lamb details his exploratory visits to various archaeological sites in South Thailand since 1960, emphasizing the region's significance for understanding the early history of Malaya and the need for more comprehensive…

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David Sherman Bassett, aged 85, passed away on September 13, 2024, at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health. Born on July 9, 1939, in Massachusetts, he was a devoted member of Ardmore Baptist Church and actively volunteered at the Shriner Hospital and…

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At the turn of the 20th century, Patani was viewed by many in Malaya as a culturally rich but politically troubled region under growing Siamese control. Malay observers saw the decline of Patani’s autonomy with concern, as it affected their shared…

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Penghulus in Perak and Selangor once held important roles as local leaders, responsible for maintaining order, settling disputes, and managing village affairs. Over time, their influence declined due to colonial restructuring, the rise of modern…

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This article looks at the Peranakan Chinese community in Northeast Kelantan, showing how they blended Chinese and Malay traditions in daily life. It highlights their unique culture, language, and social roles, as well as how they maintained their…

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The article by M. E. Wayte discusses the geographical and ecological dynamics of the Port Weld area, focusing on the rapid siltation of inshore waters, the growth of mangrove forests, and the impact of these processes on the local river systems and…

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This article explores the famous painting of Prince Dipanagara’s capture by Raden Saleh, showing how the artwork reflects both resistance to colonial rule and the artist’s personal perspective. It contrasts with Dutch versions of the event, offering…

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Raffles was awarded the Order of the Golden Sword by the Sultan of Palembang as a gesture of honor and diplomacy. The award symbolized mutual respect and recognition between Raffles and local rulers during his efforts to expand British influence in…

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Rawa and Rinchi are explored as distinct ethnic groups with unique cultural traits, languages, and histories. The note provides more details about their origins, migration patterns, and traditional customs, showing how they have maintained their…

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