From longhouse weaving to contemporary fashion

Fedrick Ding, a 32-year-old Kayan artisan from Bintulu, Sarawak, aims to preserve traditional rattan weaving as part of rural communities' future. The craft has long been a daily activity for many Sarawakian families. Ding began collaborating with rural artisans six years ago after his uncle, a rattan bag maker, requested help with marketing during the pandemic. Travel restrictions to urban markets caused sales to plummet overnight.

Ding transformed the craft by creating contemporary products that maintain traditional weaving skills. These products include bags, shoes, accessories, and beaded jewellery. They source raw materials from rural areas such as Bakun, Belaga, and Tubau. Gathering rattan often involves long boat rides through the forest, and the work is frequently a shared effort between husbands and wives. Women, many of whom are aged 50 or above, play a crucial role in both weaving and preparing the material.

Ding emphasizes the importance of valuing the skills of these elderly women, as their work is extraordinary. He also respects the prices set by the artisans, ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their labor. This is especially significant given that younger generations may not view weaving as a reliable profession due to its erratic income.

Ding's mission is to shift consumers' perception of rattan from being merely decorative or nostalgic to recognizing the skill, time, and design aspects behind the craft. Recent sales at the Borneo Native Festival in Kuala Lumpur and interest from international buyers, such as those from Australia and Singapore, suggest that this shift is possible. His shoes have even been displayed at the London College of Fashion, and he has received mentorship from Malaysian designer Jimmy Choo.

Ultimately, Ding's goal is to collaborate with more weavers across Sarawak and connect them to broader markets, including overseas customers, while maintaining the integrity of the artisans' contributions.