Preserving Heritage: The Cultural Significance of the Bidayuh Kasah Weaving in Sarawak

Antonia Isabelle, Arthur Robert and Marzie Hatef, Jali (2025) Preserving Heritage: The Cultural Significance of the Bidayuh Kasah Weaving in Sarawak. In: International Seminar on Cultural Sciences (ISCS) Brawijaya 2025, 22-23 September 2025, Malang City, Indonesia.

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Abstract

Kasah weaving is a traditional handicraft of the Bidayuh community in Sarawak, Malaysia, deeply embedded in the cultural, economic, and social life of the people. Traditionally made from rattan and tree bark, the kasah mat is renowned for its durability, textured surface, and intricate woven patterns that reflect the skill and talent of the weaver (Shaik & Athirah, 2022). The mat is traditionally used to dry paddy since olden days. Still, additionally, the mat also serves multiple purposes from everyday domestic use, such as floor coverings and bedding, to ceremonial and ritual contexts, where they often carry symbolic meaning and social value (Campbell & Mikeng, 2021; Shaik & Athirah, 2022; Utusan Sarawak, 2025). The kasah is more than just a functional object; the rattan mat embodies the Bidayuh’s close relationship with their natural environment, their deep-rooted craftsmanship, and the collective identity that ties the community together. Nevertheless, despite its cultural significance, the kasah weaving tradition is increasingly facing some challenges in the modern era. The scarcity of natural raw materials, driven by deforestation and land-use changes, has made traditional production more difficult (Sait et al., 2018). At the same time, interest in learning the craft among younger generations is decreasing, leading to a gradual decline in the transmission of weaving knowledge. Adding to the challenges are the lack of comprehensive documentation and academic literature on kasah weaving. Existing records are insufficient, often limited to brief heritage descriptions or informal accounts, leaving significant gaps in understanding its technical processes, symbolic meanings, and regional variations. This absence of systematic documentation not only hinders cultural preservation efforts but also limits opportunities for innovation and adaptation (Shaik & Athirah, 2022). Without timely intervention, there is a real risk that traditional crafts like the kasah weaving will shift from being a living, evolving tradition to a static relic of the past. This research seeks to document the kasah weaving technique in detail, its tools, materials, and traditional weaving methods, while examining its cultural symbolism, heritage value, and role in intergenerational knowledge transfer. Furthermore, it explores the potential of adapting kasah weaving patterns and techniques into contemporary fashion products as a strategy to ensure the craft’s preservation, economic viability, and continued relevance in modern society.

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