Temiar facial art tradition embraces a modern touch while preserving its heritage

GUA MUSANG, Sept 13 — The Temiar tribe's tradition of facial adornment, characterized by geometric motifs, remains a cherished aspect of their cultural heritage, despite the shift towards modern cosmetics. Endah Angah, a 37-year-old traditional artist, expressed her community's deep appreciation for the practice of painting intricate patterns, including long and wavy lines and dots, on their faces.

This symbolizes their cultural identity and connection to nature. The increasing difficulty in sourcing traditional beauty ingredients such as kesumba seeds has led to a greater reliance on modern cosmetics, which are more readily available. Rahimah Punai, a 39-year-old woman, noted that while modern cosmetics have altered the creation process, the spiritual significance and ancestral connection remain unchanged.

Each line and dot carries specific meanings, symbolizing the river and the community's bond with nature. Abong Busu, a 55-year-old artist, emphasized the custom's significance during religious ceremonies and its role in passing down the tradition to younger generations. Kelantan State Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) director Rohaniza Abdullah highlighted that the integration of modern cosmetics in the traditional practice represents a positive development, as it maintains the integrity of the facial motifs while ensuring the tradition stays relevant and vibrant.

She stressed the importance of preserving this heritage for future generations by engaging young people in the process. Rohaniza also noted that the symbolic value of these facial motifs could make the traditional art an iconic representation of the Orang Asli culture.