Different strokes to cement M’sia-China ties

KUCHING: A Chinese lion dance head with a beautifully crafted batik-patterned tail has become the main attraction at the inaugural 2024 Lion Dance Festival here.

The bright yellow lion dance head and its tail decorated with maroon-coloured Malaysian batik patterns, was crafted by Siow Ho Phiew, a master craftsman of lion dance heads.

Displayed at the festival exhibition at Kuching Waterfront here, the unique piece was made to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.

Siow, with over 30 years of experience, shared that creating such a lion dance piece required significant efforts and skills.

Speaking to Sarawak Tribune, he said it took him around eight days to complete the special lion dance head piece.

“As you can see, it incorporates Chinese elements in the head, while the tail features Malaysian batik with floral designs.

“The intention was to blend the cultural aspects of both China and Malaysia,” he said.

Siow added he had created lion dance heads for several national dignitaries, including Malaysian prime ministers and royalties such as the Sultans of Perak, Johor and Selangor.

“I will also make a special lion dance piece for our Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

“Presently, I’m still collecting ideas of how to create this piece. But it will definitely feature Sarawak motifs.
“I might include the beak of the Sarawak Hornbill around the lion dance head,” he said.

Siow said the art of making a lion dance piece required a deep interest and a lot of patience.

“Interest is key; without it, mastering this skill can take years,” he said.

He added the craft of making lion dance pieces was part of heritage and culture, so it should be open to change.

“Embracing innovation can attract more people, particularly the younger generation, and inspire them to create even better works,” he said.

Siow from Selangor is renowned for incorporating batik fabrics as decorative elements on both the heads and bodies of lion dance costumes.

The 69-year-old’s love for lion dance led him to craft a handmade lion dance piece entirely by himself.
Initially, it took Siow two weeks to complete, starting with bending strips of local rattan to form the base of the lion heads.

Awarded the Adiguru Kraf Award in Selangor in 2012, he also teaches the art of lion dance.
Excited to showcase his work in Borneo for the first time, he invites interested Sarawakians to learn the craft from him.

“Currently, I have one student from Sarawak who is learning from me,” he said.

Meanwhile, the festival organised by the ministry, runs from July 26 to 28. It features a range of activities, including lion dance parades, a gala night, local artist performances, knowledge-sharing sessions, drum technique demonstrations, exhibitions and craft sales.

Visitors can experience Siow’s craftsmanship and explore the exhibition at Kuching Waterfront throughout the festival.