Exploring the Rich Heritage of Malay Civilization: A Visit to Warisan Melayu Museum

Date of Entry: 18 February 2025

History came to life for us at the Warisan Melayu Museum, Universiti Putra Malaysia, where we embarked on an eye-opening journey into Malay heritage, culture, and craftsmanship. From ancient manuscripts to powerful weapons, the museum showcased the depth of Malay civilization in a way we had never seen before.

The Malay World and Its Identity

The museum introduced us to the concept of the Malay Archipelago, a vast region stretching between mainland Southeast Asia and Australia. Historically known as the Indo-Australian Islands, East Indies, or Indonesian Islands, this region has been home to the Malay people for centuries. It was fascinating to see how the 19th-century concept of Malay identity was shaped by geography, culture, and shared traditions.

The Elegance of Malay Textiles

One of the highlights was the display of traditional Malay textiles, including batik lepas berayat, batik sarung, baju kurung, and baju Melayu. These garments were designed not just for style but also for modesty and practicality, with loose-fitting designs to cover the aurat.

The Cindai cloth stood out as an incredible piece of craftsmanship. Made from pineapple fiber, it was not only a luxurious textile but also served as protective armor—able to resist knife attacks! This discovery left us amazed at how art and survival intertwined in Malay culture.

Unraveling the Secrets of Ancient Malay Manuscripts

The museum also housed a collection of ancient Malay manuscripts, which covered various fields of knowledge. Some of the most intriguing ones included:

Kitab Hulubalung – A historical record of warriors and martial arts.

Mathematics Book – Containing techniques for crafting daggers like Hang Tuah’s famous keris.

Kitab Ilmu Pengasih – A manuscript on the art of persuasion and charm.

Elephant Knowledge – A record of Malay expertise in handling elephants, an important asset in battles and transportation.

Malay Weapons: A Legacy of Strength

The weaponry section gave us a glimpse into the martial prowess of the Malay warriors. Some notable artifacts included:

Cemping – A unique iron guard that protected warriors and symbolized status. Also, it refer to an ancient protective covering for the male genitalia in Malay culture, possibly worn by warriors or certain social classes.

Keris Tarung Berlok – A keris with 9 curves, signifying a symbol of power, status, and spiritual heritage in Malay, Javanese, Madurese, and Nusantara cultures. It was often associated with nobles, warriors, or individuals of high social standing.

Tekpi – A traditional three-pronged weapon. Tekpi is primarily used in Silat (Malay martial arts). It is a versatile weapon for defense, attack, and weapon trapping techniques, making it a favorite among Silat warriors and law enforcers in the past.

Cannon & Sniper Rifles – A cannon (meriam in Malay) is a large, heavy gun that fires explosive projectiles. It is showcasing how Malay warriors adapted firearms alongside traditional weapons.

Perhaps the most mystifying sight was a keris that could stand on its own! It was a true testament to the precision and craftsmanship of Malay weapon makers.

Traditional Malay Houses: Ingenious and Nomadic

Another fascinating part of the museum was the display of traditional Malay houses. Unlike modern homes, these houses were built without nails and could be disassembled and moved. This reflected the nomadic lifestyle of early Malays and their adaptability to different environments. Houses can be dismantled and rebuilt elsewhere, allowing communities to move if needed. Expandable Design – Modular structures allow homeowners to add rooms as families grow.

Melaka: A Glorious Past

The museum also provided insight into the historical influence of Melaka, which once stretched from Pattani, Thailand, down to Johor. As a thriving trade hub, Melaka was known for its multicultural exchanges, military strength, and rich traditions.

A Visit to Remember

Our trip to the Warisan Melayu Museum was more than just a tour—it was a deep dive into our own identity as Malaysians. Seeing firsthand the weapons, textiles, manuscripts, and architecture of our ancestors ignited a new sense of pride in our heritage.

The most unforgettable moment? Witnessing the self-standing keris, a symbol of Malay ingenuity and tradition.

With so much more to explore, we can’t wait for our next historical adventure!

Blog Post by Siti Nur Syafirah Bt Mohd Hakim (Grade 9)