Natural Motifs in The Terengganu Heritage of Wood Carving Art

The wood carving art in Terengganu has preserved the traditional culture throughout the years. The creation of each carved design is intricately linked to the natural elements present in the Malay community’s surroundings. The visual elements displayed in a wood carving artwork encompass not only a diverse array of decorative patterns that increase the aesthetic appeal and value of the engraving but also the underlying message that the sculptor intends to communicate through the wood carving. Nevertheless, the broader public remains unaware of its underlying significance. Therefore, it is fitting for this study to impart knowledge on the subject to the community. This study employs an ethnographic methodology, with opt-in observation and interview approaches serving as the primary means of data gathering during fieldwork. Furthermore, to enhance the credibility of this study, data obtained is subjected to document analysis procedures employing NVivo software for reliable analysis. The findings indicated a strong correlation between the motives found in wood carving and the cultural characteristics of the Malay population. The choice of natural motifs is derived from natural elements that contribute to the well-being of society, such as plants with medicinal properties, plants with visually pleasing aesthetics and pleasant fragrances, and plants that serve as essential sources of sustenance for humanity. The wood carving pattern incorporates elements of nature, with a lantern symbolizing philosophical significance. This lantern serves as a means for the older generation to pass information about divinity and humanity to the next generation. Traditional wood carving art is a decorative element with significant cultural and educational messages intended to be passed down to future generations within the Malay community.