The kebaya, a traditional garment rich in cultural heritage, is at risk of fading as modern attire gains popularity. With its nomination for Unesco’s intangible cultural heritage list, preserving the kebaya has become paramount. Efforts to document its styles and foster cross-cultural discussions are underway to ensure its legacy endures and thrives into the future.
The kebaya, a traditional garment laden with cultural significance, entered the limelight during discussions for its nomination to Unesco’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. With a distinctive blouse design, the kebaya has evolved through centuries, influenced by the vibrant tapestry of multicultural exchanges during the Melaka Sultanate era. Ezlina Alias from Melaka’s Arts and Culture Department highlights that this beautiful attire, previously cherished by all strata of society, is now largely relegated to cultural performances, illustrating its gradual cultural decline. As the kebaya morphs into a relic of memory, alarm bells ring for its keepers. Tan Chai Cheng, also known as Baba Cedric, a sixth-generation Peranakan, expresses grave concerns over the dwindling artisans, with only two elderly Nyonya embroiderers remaining in Melaka. He emphasizes that the younger generations are growing indifferent, leading to a loss of the intricacies and innovations that define wearing the kebaya, from selecting suitable fabrics to adhering to age-old traditions of embellishments and colors. The kebaya’s nomination is a collaborative effort among Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, underscoring its status as a shared heritage. If recognized by Unesco, the kebaya will not only gain global appreciation but will also be woven further into the cultural consciousness of women across the Nusantara region. This honor could pave the way for deeper engagement with this garment as a living cultural artifact rather than a mere showcase of history. To preserve the legacy of the kebaya, initiatives have been launched to document its diverse styles and conduct workshops while fostering discussions across nations. These efforts aim to ensure that the rich heritage surrounding the kebaya is vibrant and thriving, creating a symbiotic relationship between the past and future generations. As Tan asserts, “We must ensure this legacy is passed down to the next generation,” emphasizing the urgency underlying this cultural quest.
The kebaya is a traditional outfit that traces its origins back to the cultural exchanges during the Melaka Sultanate, bridging various ethnicities over 600 years. Characterized by its elegant blouse design, the kebaya is not just a garment but a symbol of identity for various communities including the Baba Nyonya and Portuguese. Despite its historical significance, the kebaya is facing a decline as modern fashion trends take precedence, making its preservation urgent as it becomes increasingly tied to ceremonial performances rather than daily wear.
In summary, the kebaya, a symbol of rich cultural heritage, stands at a crossroads. With its nomination for Unesco recognition, there lies hope for revitalization and a return to its former glory within daily life. Urgent steps must be taken to preserve the craftsmanship and traditions associated with the kebaya, ensuring that it remains a living, breathing part of cultural identity for generations to come.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
