Penan craft market delights

MULU: The Batu Bungan Craft Market was abuzz earlier today (Oct 1) as participants from the 2024 International Showcase Association (ISCA) conference made a stop to explore its offerings.

From handmade rattan bags, mats, and intricately designed blowpipes to bracelets, necklaces, and keychains, visitors were spoiled for choice as they browsed for unique souvenirs to take home.

Local artisan Teri Nyapun, a 60-year-old Penan craftswoman, expressed joy at the large turnout.

“Business has been steadily improving with Mulu receiving more visitors. It’s a big change from the days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are always happy to welcome guests, even if they’re passing through,” she told the Sarawak Tribune.

Teri Nyapun

Martina Paeh

Teri, who specialises in creating jong (bracelets) and ‘ameng’ (necklaces), makes each item herself.

A beaded necklace, known as an ‘ameng talem’, takes her around two days to complete due to its intricate design, while simpler bead bracelets can be made within a day.

On a good month, Teri can earn up to RM500. Her income fluctuates depending on the number of shoppers at the market.

A mother of four, she expressed her gratitude for being able to support her family by doing something she loves.

“However, none of my children have shown interest in learning the craft from me. I hope that one day, they will want to carry on this tradition, just as my mother passed it down to me.”

Fellow artisan and mak (mat) weaver, Martina Paeh, was equally thrilled by the influx of visitors from the ISCA event.

The 51-year-old Penan woman takes pride in sourcing her wai (rattan) from the forest and weaving it into beautiful mats.

2024 ISCA conference participants shop at Batu Bungan Craft Market

“Weaving a rattan mat is truly a labour of love. It takes patience and time—around two months for a large mat and about one month for a smaller one.

“After gathering the rattan, I boil it and leave it to dry in the sun for a day. This process darkens the rattan, creating contrast for the patterns,” she explained.

Martina has been weaving since the age of 15, having learned the skill from her mother.

Although she is self-taught in design, she often finds inspiration by observing the work of others.

“I didn’t attend school, so my mother taught me how to weave. I’m grateful for this skill, as it’s how I support my family,” she shared.

Martina’s small rattan mats are priced around RM500, while larger ones can sell for up to RM900.

Like Teri, she hasn’t yet passed on her weaving skills to her children.

“My sons are busy with their jobs and don’t have the time or interest to learn. It’s a little heartbreaking,” she admitted.

The Batu Bungan Craft Market, located just 10 minutes by boat from Mulu National Park at Kampung Batu Bungan, is a must-visit stop for cave explorers and tourists alike.

Not only can visitors find one-of-a-kind souvenirs, but their purchases also contribute to the livelihoods of the local community.