Documentary, workshop aims to revive rare Iban ‘baju kuas’
by Churchill Edward · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Dec 8): The traditional ‘baju kuas’, a distinctive garment of the Iban Balau community form the Sri Aman region, is receiving renewed attention amid concerns over the fading of its specialised embroidery craft.
The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts has announced a collaboration with TV Sarawak to produce a documentary highlighting this cultural heritage.
Deputy minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan emphasised the garment’s unique value and economic potential.
“High-quality baju kuas pieces, especially those intricately embroidered with gold thread, can command prices up to RM3,000,” said the Balai Ringin assemblyman at a a pre-Christmas dinner hosted by Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Kuching on Saturday.
He noted that while the ‘marek empang’ or ‘tangu Iban’ is a more widely recognised component of Iban women’s attire, the baju kuas is distinct and less known, warranting greater awareness across Sarawak.
Master craftswoman Julia James, 71, one of the few remaining custodians of the skill, explained that the baju kuas is traditionally worn during official ceremonies, rituals, and festivals like Gawai Dayak.
However, its popularity has declined sharply over the years, overshadowed by the more common tangu.
“The gold-thread embroidery required for baju kuas demands a far higher level of skill and significantly more time to master,” she said, adding that opportunities for the younger generation to inherit the craft have become increasingly limited.
With 38 years of experience, Julia’s pieces are highly sought after even by prominent figures, including Tan Sri Datuk Sri Empiang Jabu.
Julia’s works have been showcased in various competitions and fashion shows as well.
A recent showcase at the 2024 Gawai Dayak ‘Niti Daun’ parade sparked fresh interest, reinforcing concerns that the tradition could disappear without deliberate intervention.
In response, Julia and her family, encouraged by Snowdan, are organising the first open workshop dedicated to baju kuas embroidery.
The three-day introductory programme at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) from Dec 12 to 14 will focus on hands-on gold-thread techniques, with participants receiving certificates upon completion.
This grassroots effort, coupled with the upcoming documentary, aims to safeguard the future of this intricate art form and showcase its cultural and economic significance for a new generation.