How Temiar facial art is adapting without losing its roots

In the Kelantan region of Malaysia, the Temiar community continues to preserve an ancient beauty tradition known as facial art. Traditionally, women of the community adorned their faces with intricate lines, waves and dots - each design carrying symbolic meaning handed down from generation to generation. Historically, the colors used in these motifs were derived from natural sources like charcoal, limestone paste and kesumba seeds.

However, contemporary women like Endah Angah, 37, have found modern cosmetics to be a more convenient alternative, particularly when venturing into the forest to gather these traditional materials has become increasingly difficult.

Endah noted that while modern cosmetics provide brighter and neater patterns that last longer on the skin, the underlying meaning remains unchanged. Similarly, Rahimah Punai, 39, emphasized that each line and dot continues to be meticulously drawn because the motifs embody ancestral knowledge and significance. The lines represent rivers, while the dots symbolize the community's connection to nature, underscoring the importance of preserving the traditional design without personal modification. Such reverence is crucial for the tradition's transmission to younger generations.

Abong Busu, 55, highlighted the role of community events like Sewang (traditional dance) and gatherings, where the art is worn and explained to children. This interactive approach helps impart the significance of the designs beyond mere aesthetics. Kelantan's culture and arts department director, Rohaniza Abdullah, acknowledged the adaptation of the tradition in the face of modern conveniences, yet reaffirmed that the core essence remains rooted in the same ancestral sources - the rivers, forests and inherent wisdom that first gave birth to the practice.