Meet the Terengganu craftsman shaping royal tanjaks and preserving Malay heritage
HULU TERENGGANU, Nov 13 — The tradition of wearing the tanjak, also known as tengkolok or dastar, among Malay men...
Terengganu’s tanjak-maker Muhammad Ali Yusof is preserving Malay heritage through his craftsmanship. The traditional headpiece, also known as tengkolok or dastar, has roots in the Malacca Sultanate and evolved over time. Its designs reflect the wearer's personality, identity, social status, rank, and place of origin. For Muhammad Ali, crafting tanjak involves more than technical skill - it requires an understanding of Malay customs and protocols.
He began learning tanjak-making in 2014 and has since made headgear for the Sultan of Terengganu and members of the royal family. Muhammad Ali's tanjak-making journey started at a traditional music group, where he noticed the need for custom-made headgear. He learned the craft through courses and knowledge-sharing sessions, including those organized by the Pertubuhan Penggiat Seni Alam Melayu (PENILAM) and the Persatuan Majlis Anak-Anak Anjung Laksamana.
There are eight basic traditional tanjak designs, each with its own distinctive shape and identity. These include Belalai Gajah (for the Sultan), Bija Diraja (for the Sultan's advisers), and Bendahara (for the chief minister). Contemporary designs offer more flexibility for creativity. Muhammad Ali said respecting the protocols associated with each design is crucial, especially when attending functions involving the royal institution.
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