TABLE OF CONTENT

TITLE PAGE
I. Introduction 1
II. Types of Ragam Hias 2
1. Plant 2
2. Animal 3
3. Geometric 4
4. Human 5
5. Imagination/fantasy 6
III. Songket 7
IV. Utilization of songket 9
V. Part of Songket 10
VI. Songket motif 11
1. Tampuk Manggis 11
2. Lawi Ayam 11-12
3. Pucuk Rebung 12
4. Wajik Susur 13
5. Bintang-bintang 13
6. Bunga kundur 14
7. Telingkai pucuk 14
VII. Songket pattern 15-16
VIII. Chosen textile 17-19
IX. References 20-21

I. INTRODUCTION

Ragam hias has existed since pre-historic era which it can be seen on some items and textile
decorative of Ancient Aztec, Ancient China, Ancient Africa, Ancient India and more. Ragam
hias are one of the decorative arts closest to craft, especially when it associated with various
products, therefore to create and develop or pioneer a skill in the craft field, ragam hias is very
important. Besides, the role of ragam hias is huge which it can be seen in usage application of it
in many things such as in architectural building, ceremony items, souvenir, furniture, textile and
more in fulfill physical and spiritual aspect of life.

Ragam hias art are form of decorative base that is generally repeated so that it becomes a
pattern in a craft or art work. Ragam hias can be produced from drawing, sculpting, printing,
painting and illustration to improve the quality and value of an object or work of art. Ragam hias
motif that are repeated, combined or arranged so that they look neat and can be called patterns.
Besides, ragam hias motif usually consist of one or more decorative types arranged in certain
patterns.

Moreover, ragam hias can be found in batik motifs, woven, pottery, textile, wood carving,
embroidery, and also stone carving. This variety decorative appears in same basic forms but with
distinctive variations for each region. In traditional archipelago arts or crafts, there are often
spiritual meanings as outlined in the stylization of decorative items.

The terms decorative, motifs and ragam hias are often used interchangeably in Malaysia and
Indonesia. In English, motifs are design which if repeated and it can form patterns (which this
concept of idea in Malaysia and Indonesia is called decorative), meanwhile motif words in KBBI
are synonym to pattern.

II. TYPES OF RAGAM HIAS

1. Plants
 Plants as sources of ragam hias object can be found almost in Malaysia and Indonesia
Archipelago. Ragam hias with flora form, such as flower, fruit and leaf can be found on art items
like batik, carvings, embroidery and woven. Plants has given big influence in making design of
motif and patterns in Malaysia and Indonesia because these country consist of equatorial climate
which the soil is fertile with diversity of plants. So rice motif is common in both Malaysia and
Indonesia because there are lots of paddy field around these country.

2. Animal
 This ragam hias types are taken from variety of animal, such as bird, elephant, lizard, fish and
chicken or can be say any mammal animal too. In creating ragam hias, these decorative motifs
can be combined with different ragam hias. Regional decoration in Indonesia mostly uses lots of
animal as decorative objects. These well-known region known as Sumatera, Kalimantan,
Yogyakarta, Bali, Sulawesi and Papua. Ragam hias animals can be found in batik works,
carving, embroidery, webbing and weaving. Decorative forms of animals can be used as a means
to introduce local wisdom of certain region or state in Indonesia such as bird of paradise in
Papua, dragon in East Nusa Tenggara, and elephant in Lampung.

3. Geometric
 Geometric ragam hias is developed from geometric shapes and then cultivated according to
the savor, interest and imagination of the creator. Style of geometric decoration can be found in
all regions in Indonesia such as East Asia, Sumatera, Kalimantan, Java, Sulawesi, and Papua.
Geometric decorations can be made by combing geometric shapes into one decorative ragam
hias.

4. Human
 These types of ragam hias is designed based on human figure in a few style. Human figure
motif is usually found in textile work and wooden work which done by drawing, woven,
printing, embroidery or carving. These types of ragam hias can be found in Sarawak, Malaysia
and also at Papua. The very famous human figure motif in textile also known as Pua Kumbu
motif.

5. Imagination/fantasy
 Imagination/fantasy ragam hias types are derives from illusion and imagination of creator
which it is usually not found in the real world such as ragam hias of magical creatures, monster,
giants, gods, and more. Imagination is come from the forming of new ideas or images or
concepts of external objects not present to the senses. It is also known as the ability of the mind
to be creative or resourceful. The form of fictional ragam hias is the result of human power and
imagination over its perception, the motif of taking the source of ideas outside the real world.
Example of imagination ragam hias are such as motif of mermaids, giants, and other magical
creature.

III. SONGKET
 Songket is well known in Malaysia since 15 century. It has developed well especially at East
Malaysia, Terengganu and Kelantan. This is songket from Terengganu, Malaysia. The word
Songket is derived from sungkit in Malay language which means poking or knitting. Songket also
means take off or pull thread (benang) from the fabric or woven using golden or silver thread. In
the textile industry, songket is types of weaving fabric traditional of Malay people in Malaysia,
Indonesia and also Brunei. Usually, songket weaved with hand by using golden and silver thread.

Last time, songket is wear by certain social class of people in certain ceremony or festival
only. But now, the use of songket has developed abroad and not limited to cetain social class
only. Everyone from all social class can wear songket at any occasion, ceremony, or festival.
Besides, the finest of weaving songket can be seen from aspect of complicated process creating
motifs on songket. Types of thread used either silk, cotton, or polyester also determine the
softness, condition and quality of songket.

So, thread is important factor in songket making and important factor to the price of it on
market. There is Malay’s pepatah, “Sehari selembar benang, lama-lama menjadi kain.” Means
use weaving working as hint to the meaning of the pepatah that bring meaning of even the
continuous effort is little, eventually will succeed too.

Songket has motif and pattern which it shows unique identity characteristic of Malay. It also
reflect taste of good society culture in environment that rich with variety of uniqueness and
beauty.

IV. UTILIZATION OF SONGKET

 Long time ago, songket was one of special outfit that symbolize greatness. Besides, motif and
colour on the woven songket shows status of people. In tradition, songket is weaved by using fine
silk thread and golden. In ancient period, songket only worn by kings, royal, and aristocrat.
Utilization of it such as to make tanjak, sampin, selendang and kings outfit.

Now, most of weaving songket are made by using cotton thread and started been wear by all
types of social class and the usage of it has developed and also suitable to many occasion like
festival or ceremony. Nowadays, songket used for outfit of marriage, hand bag, table cloth,
souvenir, wall decoration, and more followed by ability of designer to diversify it. Expenditure
of songket nowadays has expanded to new dimension. The result of woven songket can be
exported to international level.

Moreover, usage of songket has been more universal and not limited to certain social class
only such as royals, aristocrat but everyone from all social class can wear it. Anyone who afford
to have it can wear songket. Then, way of wearing songket also multifariousness and suitable to
many occasion. Same goes to songket’s pattern and motif that transform to contemporary,
suitable with passage of time.

After so long songket industry developed in Malaysia, so now songket motif get a place on
architect’s heart. There are few skyscraper has been applied with songket motif such as Malaysia
National Library.

V. PART OF SONGKET
VI. SONGKET MOTIF

Motif used to weave songket are mostly inspired from nature element such as plants motif,
animal motif, object motif, dessert motif.

1. Tampuk manggis

Inspired from mangosteen fruits which bring meaning of Malay people well known with their
soft spoken, good at taking care of disgrace, and refuse shame. Variation from this motif are:

Tampuk Manggis Berbelah that has meaning of wisdom of old folks or parent to always have
kindness in self. Then, Tampuk Manggis Kelopak Mambang has meaning of kindness is one of
human behavior exist from birth that must be uphold along the entity of living. Meanwhile,
Tampuk Manggis Petak Anak has means of in living together, people must prevent incite other
people against each other so there will be no fight occur.

2. Lawi ayam

Shows greatness of Malay society textile. Long time ago, lawi ayam very admired because of
its beauty and length on chicken feather which symbolize the greatness of the chicken itself.
Lawi ayam motif on songket used to shows the bravery and boldness when wedding couples
wear it. It also symbolize honour of user. Then, the creation of lawi ayam shows Islam preaching
sometimes be delivered in implicitly and expressly way.

3. Pucuk Rebung

Pucuk rebung is bamboo buds which bring meaning of everything come from its buds or
origins and it also considered as reminder to keep advance, must energetic and enthusiastic in
facing life. Pucuk rebung has few variation such as:

Pucuk RebungParuh Burung that has meaning of if we are already happy and comfortable, don’t
forget to help others that are not and without realizing that we will be remembered as people that
has good name and good manners. Moreover, Pucuk Rebung Balai Anak has meaning of cannot
chase surplus or profit too high because that will shows bad on self and other people. Then, last
but not least Pucuk Rebung Bersiku Keluang taking too much surplus and profit can make
people blind and obscure with world.
 4. Wajik susur

Wajik susur bring meaning of befriend and show kindness towards other and be grateful for
it, because it will kept harmony, iman and mainting custom and culture.

5. Bintang-bintang

Bintang-bintang motif bring meaning of good manner and spoken will assure people to live
harmony each other.

 
 6. Bunga kundur

This motif shows when we live in humble, all arrogant and brag, boast, speak with great pride
will be gone. Then it also means if people live loyal each other, Insya Allah pahal will be given
till the end of life.

7. Telingkai pucuk

This motif bring means of live well know with good manners and always be grateful and
righteous or good deeds require deep thought and reflection.
VII. SONGKET PATTERN

Songket pattern usually consist from bunga penuh arrangement, bunga bertabur arrangement and
last but not least berpagar arrangement.

Songket bunga penuh.

Songket bunga bertabur

 Songket berpagar

VIII. CHOSEN TEXTILE

 1

This is Terengganu songket from Malaysia that only has two colours which is black and
gold. This songket is weaved using golden thread. There are geometric and plants motif of ragam
hias in this songket that derive from elements of plants and dessert. There is only natural and
warm colour in this songket which black that is natural colour and gold that is warm colour.
Then, there also straight, curve, horizontal, vertical and diagonal line in this songket. Moreover,
this songket has variety of element and principles of art and the repetition of a motif has created
rhythm and unity.

Besides, the golden thread colour is the colour of extravagance, wealth, riches, and excess,
and shares several of the same attributes of the colour yellow. The colour gold is a warm colour
that can be either bright and cheerful or somber and traditional and is also associated with love,
compassion, courage, passion, magical, and wisdom. Gold is a precious metal that is associated
with wealth, grandeur, and prosperity, as well as sparkle, glitz, and glamour.

Moreover, black colour in songket could represent serious, professional, and conventional,
but black can also represent the mysterious, sexy, and sophisticated. Black is a visually slimming
colour for clothing and like other dark colors, in interior design, black can make a room appear
to shrink in size. The colour black affects the mind and body by helping to create an
inconspicuous feeling, boosting confidence in appearance, increasing the sense of potential and
possibility.

Next, there are few geometric motif in this songket and the motif highlighted on number 1 is
known as bintang-bintang motif which has connotation of if we practice good manners, we are
showing those around us that we are considerate of their feelings and respectful. We are also
setting standards for others' behavior and encouraging them to treat us with similar respect so we
can live in harmony together. Then, eight-pointed star in this songket is very popular in quilts. In
some Islamic tradition, it is the star that Prophet Sulaiman used to capture djinns. In Islam view,
star is symbolize as Islam as a whole, symbol of the Islamic faith, unity of people and successful
of Muslim warrior on battlefield.

Furthermore, motif highlighted on number 2 is known as kuih tepung talam motif that has
diamond shape. Kuih tepung talam may not necessary a green and white colour kuih talam. It can
be brown and white, it can be savoury like talam berlauk which it can be talam ube and etc. I just
discovered that the Malay word talam in essence means trays. Therefore, kuih talam literally
dessert for kings and royals in ancient period last time. Then, talam dessert represent peace and
harmony for self and family. Seeing an abundance of sweet dishes symbolizes boredom with a
life full of happiness. As well as eating kuih talam is a sign of contentment/satisfied. This is a
positive sign. It can signify sense of pride that comes from achieving a long held dream or goal.
And last but not least, kuih talam also means a joyous lifetime union.

Meanwhile, motif highlighted on number 3 is known as pucuk rebung. Pucuk rebung is a

young shoots of bamboo. It can be cook and eat. Pucuk rebung has meaning of keep moving
forward and advance in everything we do just like bamboo. Since the roots spread out rather than
growing straight down, bamboo holds the soil together. This keeps bamboo from being uprooted
during a storm and even prevents soil erosion. Pucuk rebung also represent strength and
flexibility. Next, its deep root denotes resoluteness, and its tall, straight stem represents honour,
while its hollow interior modesty and its clean and sparten exterior exemplify chastity.

In conclusion, songket has brought so many beautiful physical and spiritual context and
content that has shown how our ancestor very proficient, skillful and artistic in compiling those
ragam hias motif, from actual physical object to geometric motif, and included few proverb,
phrase, and words of wisdom or philosophy behind those design. However, even last time
songket, only worn by kings, aristocrat or high social class people, but nowadays along with the
circulation of the times, society from all types of social class has chance to wear it. It can be
made as one heritage in local community. The most important are people from all social class
must strive of make every effort to preserve and conserve this traditional heritage and globalized
it to international level.

IX. REFERENCES
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https://ms.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songket.com

“Songket Terengganu”, Songket-Terengganu.com, 2019.

www.songket-terengganu.com./prodlist.php?
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“Tenun Pahang Diraja”, Wikipedia, 2012.

https://ms.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenun_Pahang_diraja.com

“Sejarah Songket Terengganu”, Khairul Azhar and Suhaili, Kain Songket Terengganu, Blogspot,
October 3, 2010.

http://kainsongketterengganu.blogspot.com/2010/10/sejarah.html?m=1

“Melayu Riau weaving motifs and pattern”, Faisal Perwira, WordPress.com.

https://faisalpewira.wordpress.com/motif-dan-corak-tenun-melayu-riau/.com

“Appreciation for the uniqueness of batik motifs”, Nanang Ajim, Mikirbae, 2017.

www.mikiebae.com/2017/06/apresiasi-terhadap-keunikan-motif-batik.html?m=1

“Kategori: Kuih tradisional Melayu”, Alexander Iskandar, Wikipedia, 2017.

https://ms.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kategori:Kuih_tradisional_Melayu.com
“Kuih talam”, Wikipedia, 2012.

https://ms.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuih_talam.com

“Kuih-muih diraja Pahang, Terengganu dan Kelantan” FarahiKamaruddin, The Patriots Asia,
January 1 2019.

https://www.thepatriots.asia/kuih-muih-diraja-pahang-terengganu-dan-kelantan/.com

“The symbolism of bamboo”, Cody Wirth, Cozy Earth, September 28 2017.

https://cozyearth.com/blogs/news/the-symbolism-of-bamboo.com

“Star and crescent of Islam”, SymbolDictionary.Net, November 2017.

https://www.symboldictionary.net/?p=2395