02-27-12
It’s astounding how much of the Malaysian culture is hidden from the public eye. Although I used to travel a lot outside malaysia, this is my 1st time to
experienced my own local indigenous culture by mah meri tribe. mah meri tribe are one of the tribe that used to live in Carey Island, situated about 140km
from kuala lumpur. Carey Island is a large palm oil estate that is owned and operated by the Malaysian palm oil conglomerate Golden Hope Plantation. If you
were hoping by the name that Carey Island was a white sanded beach with miles upon miles of clear blue waters, then you’d be sadly mistaken.=)
The main appeal of Carey Island is the indigenous tribe, the Mah Meri. This small tribe has managed to sustain its existence for almost a century. While the
world around it grows with skyscrapers and shopping malls, the Mah Meri has kept its unique traditions of wood carvings and self sustainable living off the
land. Though not adverse to changes, the Mah Meri are well versed in local Bahasa Malaysia and some of them can even speak English.
every year, mah meri tribe celebrates ‘Ari Muyang’, a unique celebration for them giving thanks to the spirits for all the good things that had been bestowed
upon the villagers. On this special day, they will have a ritual ceremony where a shaman uses rice powder based solutions, mixed with flowers and leaves to
mark the foreheads and forearms. After the ritual caremony, some of them will perform a traditional dance called ‘main Jo-oh’. the dance will be accompanied
by a ritual traditional songs and music perfomed by the older generation of the tribe using bamboo, viola, drum and guitar.
It’s astounding how much of the Malaysian culture is hidden from the public eye. Although I used to travel a lot outside malaysia, this is my 1st time to experienced my own local indigenous culture by Mah Meri tribe. Mah Meri tribe are one of the tribe that used to live in Carey Island, situated about 140km from Kuala Lumpur. Carey Island is a large palm oil estate that is owned and operated by the Malaysian palm oil conglomerate Golden Hope Plantation. If you were hoping by the name that Carey Island was a white sanded beach with miles upon miles of clear blue waters, then you’d be sadly mistaken. =)
The main appeal of Carey Island is the indigenous tribe, the Mah Meri. This small tribe has managed to sustain its existence for almost a century. While the world around it grows with skyscrapers and shopping malls, the Mah Meri has kept its unique traditions of wood carvings and self sustainable living off the land. Though not adverse to changes, the Mah Meri are well versed in local Bahasa Malaysia and some of them can even speak English.
Every year, Mah Meri tribe celebrates ‘Ari Muyang’, a unique celebration for them giving thanks to the spirits for all the good things that had been bestowed upon the villagers. On this special day, they will have a ritual ceremony where a shaman uses rice powder based solutions, mixed with flowers and leaves to mark the foreheads and forearms. After the ritual ceremony, some of them will perform a traditional dance called ‘main Jo-oh’. the dance will be accompanied
by a ritual traditional songs and music perfomed by the older generation of the tribe using bamboo, viola, drum and guitar.
next week we will be close for a month. a new road less traveled journey will begin.
wish us the best of luck.
regards, azim.zainudin
01-21-12
a big thanks to the warehouse kl for the opportunity.
this post-wed shoot suppose to be done in a month right after their reception.
but due to the pack schedule of me and bonzer, we could not set a proper time for the shoot.
at last, its january now… finally we are able to finished it! =D
the overall story and idea coming from me. its time for some art + ol skool + a bit of politics kind of thing.
hope u guyz like it. and spread the love yaw!
love and peace,
azimzainudin 2012
12-15-11
there u go! a quick update from our latest destination wedding. this time i present to u guyz… rahman n arlene.
both nikah n reception was took place in likas, sabah.
we had a wonderful time shooting their reception… with all the nice setting and plus the traditional dance from sabah.
can wait to see the video made by mimi!
they choose nexus karambunai as their quick honeymoon… i must say the place is beautiful!!
and its near to kota kinabalu.
the white sandy beach, big waves… we couldnt asked for more.
here are some of the photos, assisted by rashidin omar.
i always love borneo. the chill town of kota kinabalu…
the chicken wings, their cool guesthouse, n not to forget the beaches.
looking foward for another trip, next year! =)
regards, azim.zainudin.
