{
  "id": 8131739,
  "title": "How Temiar facial art is adapting without losing its roots",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/how-temiar-facial-art-is-adapting-without-losing-its-roots",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/09/18/how-temiar-facial-art-is-adapting-without-losing-its-roots"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Temiar women in Kelantan continue to preserve their ancient facial art traditions, even as modern cosmetics replace some natural pigments. For generations, the intricate designs - featuring long lines, waves, and dots - have carried deep cultural significance, with each motif symbolising a specific meaning. Originally, these designs were painted using charcoal, limestone paste and kesumba seeds, materials gathered from the forest. However, the availability of these ingredients has become a challenge, prompting some women to turn to commercial makeup products like lipstick and eyeliner. Despite this shift, the true essence of the tradition remains intact. Endah Angah, 37, explained that while gathering the natural ingredients used to be simple, it now necessitates venturing deeper into the forest - a change that has not dampened the women's commitment to their ancestral practices. Rahimah Punai, 39, reiterated that the patterns are not just decorative; they hold profound meanings tied to the river and nature, passed down from ancestors. The women firmly adhere to these traditional designs, even when using modern cosmetics, ensuring that the culture and heritage are preserved. The Temiar women continue to wear the facial art during significant events such as the Sewang dance ceremonies and community gatherings, keeping the tradition visible in daily cultural life. Abong Busu, 55, emphasised that these events are also crucial for teaching the younger generation about the meanings behind the designs, rather than merely replicating their appearance. This educational aspect is vital because the practice is not only conveyed through the finished designs but also through the stories and explanations shared during the application process. The Kelantan culture and arts department director, Rohaniza Abdullah, highlighted how the tradition can adapt to the modern world while retaining its original motifs and colours. For the women who uphold the designs, this balance between adaptation and tradition is already familiar. Though the tools may be newer and easier to access, the significance of each line and dot remains deeply rooted in the same rivers, forests, and ancestral knowledge that gave birth to the tradition.",
  "summary": "Modern cosmetics are helping an old beauty tradition survive as natural ingredients become harder to find.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "How Temiar facial art is adapting without losing its roots",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/how-temiar-facial-art-is-adapting-without-losing-its-roots-8132564",
        "published": "2026-09-18T00:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}