Talk delves into historical past of Borneo’s miniature cannons

KUCHING (July 15): A talk at the Borneo Cultures Museum auditorium here yesterday delved into how miniature cannons of Borneo and the Malay Archipelago were used as money, marriage gifts, family treasures and symbols of status.

Renowned book and paper preservation expert Alex Teoh, who presented the talk, said these miniature cannons also showed the rich culture of the Malay Archipelago region.

“Made since the early sultanates, these miniature cannons have artistic, cultural and religious influences from China, India, the Middle East and Europe,” he said.

Teoh explained that their detailed craftsmanship and historical importance highlighted the value of these cannons in the past

“When looking at them, one will also get to understand the material culture and heritage of the place where the cannons were made,” he added.

He also informed that only a few of these miniature cannons exist today, mostly kept in museums and official buildings.

“Because there are very few left today, they are very valuable to historians and collectors. These are indeed unique cultural artifacts of the Borneo and Malay Archipelago regions,” he said, while stressing the need to preserve such cultural artifacts.

The 90-minute talk included a lively question-and-answer session.