Micro-Teaching – Songket

Title: Exploring the Elegance of Songket: A Journey through History and Culture

Objective: By the end of this 20-minute lesson and 10-minute feedback, I hope participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of Songket, encompassing its history, cultural significance, accessories and adornments, regional variations, and the evolution of its style.

Introduction:

1. Warm-Up Activity: I began the class with a brief discussion on traditional textiles and their cultural importance. I asked the participants if they were familiar with any traditional textiles that are related to the country and culture and what they knew about it.
2. Hook: After that, I am presenting a piece of fabric for them to touch, feel, and react to. I encouraged questions and discussions about the fabric, inviting participants to share if they recognised it or had encountered similar fabrics before. This sparked an engaging conversation, with the majority of participants actively participating and expressing interest in the fabric I had introduced.
   
   History of Songket:

1. Timeline Exploration: While they were looking at the Songket fabrics, I explained to them the overview of the history of Songket, emphasising its origins in the Malay Archipelago and its flourishing during the Malacca Malay Sultanate Empire and its evolution over the centuries. I highlighted the influence of Indian and Arab traders on the introduction of gold and silver threads that the Songket became the height of popularity among aristocratic circle.
   
2. Symbolism and Significance: Before I proceed further, we also discussed the cultural importance of Songket. I mentioned to them that I am from Malaysia and my ethnicity is Malay so Songket is deeply meaningful to Malay culture. It’s a stunning representation of traditional Malay clothing, showing elegance and importance. Worn by royalty, officials, and the wealthy, at that time, it symbolises prestige and respect. The patterns on Songket tell the story of Malay heritage, for example, one of the Songket I brought in the class was passed down from my father and also his passing down the knowledge from one generation to the next. I conclude that we treasure Songket for its cultural value and the special way it’s made, blending techniques from different cultures seamlessly.
   
   Accessories and Adornments:

1. Hands-On Exploration: I introduced the accessories and adornments that can be worn with Songket, such as the “samping” and other traditional embellishments. Samping is a skirt-type adornment is also commonly worn with the Baju Melayu, which is either the ‘kain samping’, made out of songket cloth or the kain sarung, made out of cotton or a polyester mix. Both are loops of fabric which are folded around the wearer’s waist. I explained the different ways a samping can be worn. I then allowed students to handle and examine these items, fostering a tactile connection with the cultural artifacts.

Regional Variations:

Geographical Diversity: I also discussed how different regions within the Malay archipelago contribute to the diversity of Songket. Malaysia is a diverse country with various ethnic groups, and each group may have its own variations of traditional attire. Encouraging class participation, I prompted students to compare Malay traditional costumes with those of other ethnic communities, fostering a deeper understanding of Malaysia’s multicultural fabric.

Contemporary Influences: At the same time, I explained to the class the evolution of Songket’s style over time. A lot of modern interpretations may incorporate new materials or design elements while retaining the traditional essence.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Songket isn’t just a textile; it’s a living testament to the cultural richness of the Malay archipelago. As we explore its history, cultural importance, accessories, regional differences, and changing styles, we uncover a rich heritage that goes beyond mere fabric. So, when you admire the golden threads of Songket, remember, that it’s not just material; it’s a cultural legacy, a celebration of tradition, and a tribute to the craftsmanship passed down through time.

Reflection:
Incorporating Songket into object-based microteaching significantly enhances the learning experience for the participants. I observed the participants were more engaged in learning and exploring traditional Malay attire. By touching, feeling, and examining the fabric, they gained a richer sensory understanding of the craftsmanship and materials involved.

I also believe it sparked the discussions about cultural values and traditions and explored the symbolism behind the patterns or colours, and the significance of textiles in Malay society. This type of object-based learning in my case Songket encourages and interacts with our curiosity and the same time motivates us to observe deeper into the cultural context of subject matter.

So, the next time you see a piece of Songket, remember it’s not just fabric. It’s a thread that connects you to history, culture, and the dazzling creativity of Southeast Asia. And who knows, maybe you’ll even be inspired to rock your own piece of this timeless tradition – just don’t forget the bling!

References:

Nawawi, N. M. (2013). History and development of golden malay textile, tradition & continuity, wove & decorated textiles of the Malay Peninsula (p. 38). Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia.

Stankard, S. (2010). Textile Praxis: The case of Malaysian hand-hand woven songket (PhD thesis, Royal College of Art, London, UK).

Yusnita, Y. , Yusof , M. , Ibrahim, Y. (2018). SONGKET: THE LINKAGE BETWEEN HERITAGE AND TOURISM IN MALAYSIA. Asian People Journal (APJ). Volume 1(Issue 2 ( 2018), PP), pp.PP 207-216. [Online]. Available at:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335813740_SONGKET_THE_LINKAGE_BETWEEN_HERITAGE_AND_TOURISM_IN_MALAYSIA
[Accessed 10 March 2024].