MAH MERI

NEVER FORGET ONE'S ROOTS

Weaving serves as a powerful expression of identity for the Mah Meri and other Orang Asli communities. For individuals like Maznah and Julida, weaving is both a declaration of who they are and a tribute to the generations that came before them. It is a continuation of ancestral knowledge, carefully preserved and passed down through time.

Today, Mah Meri weaving is instantly recognizable—each piece reflecting the unique cultural heritage and enduring spirit of the community.

Building on the strong relationship and friendship established through our 2023 collaborative exhibition at Kalm Village with Gerimis and Tompoq Tompoq from Malaysia, we are excited to continue showcasing the exquisite crafts of the Mah Meri tribe.

This collection features a variety of unique, vibrant woven items crafted from Nipa Palm, sustainably harvested from the forests near their homes. Alongside these stunning works, we also present these beautiful books that offer a deeper look into the Mah Meri’s rich culture, heritage, and the stories behind their traditional artistry.

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Gerimis Art Project is a collaborative artistic and archiving collective that co-produces artworks and cultural content with indigenous Malaysian (Orang Asli) artists and artisans. The collective primarily works with Orang Asli, who are already leading their own efforts in promoting and preserving their arts, culture, and traditions. Through exhibitions, publications, workshops, and talks, GERIMISadvocates for the Orang Asli’s customary territories and the return of these lands to their custodianship.

Orang Asli is the umbrella term for the Indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, made up of 19 tribes, each culturally and linguistically distinct from the other.

Gerimis have worked with the Temuan and Mah Meri in Selangor, Semai and Temiar in Perak, Semai and Batek in Pahang, and Seletar in Johor.

The documentations that they have done are also used as a tool for Orang Asli to reclaim spaces within the dominant narrative and histories in Malaysia. It‘s also a tool to prove Orang Asli’s existence in the past and present, and resilience into the future.