BMS2019: The Parade of the Usungan

• Main Author: Mohamad Faizuan, Bin Mat
• Format: Book Section
• Language: English
• Published: National Art Gallery 2019
• Subjects: N Visual arts (General) For photography, see TR
• Online Access: http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/27004/1/BMS19_chap%20in%20book.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/27004/
• Institution: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

BMS2019 The Parade of the Usungan is an artwork about bringing rare culture and the celebration of Usungan or some called it Tandu through the co-creation method. In our life and culture; victory and success are often accompanied by a celebration. This symbolizes the happiness, harmony, unity, bonding and strength of our community, religious and nation. Thus, The Parade of the Usungan is an articulation of winning, success, happiness, and celebration. As a subject-matter, Usungan is a colorful tradition of palanquin/human transportation processions are a common feature during the year-end school holiday season in Sarawak coastal areas. Usungan refers to the beautifully sculptured carriages or palanquin in which the children are carried around the neighborhood. The event was held to celebrate a large group of children who completed their studies in the Al-Quran recitals. It is a unique practice or tradition and it is only existing in the Borneo Island. Especially, Sarawak coastal areas continue to maintain and preserve it. Through the very interesting design of the Usungan, the Malays people of Sarawak has proven to have created their creativity and innovation. The Usungan come in all kinds of subject-matter such as plane, helicopter, fish, birds, fruits, insects, etc. Kabong, Sarawak the district that committed to keeping the tradition alive. In Kabong, Usungan practice is an event that many people look forward to attending every year. The Usungan practice is usually accompanied by a hadrah performance. The purpose of having this kind of practice is to encourage the younger generation to be successful and it is a kind of positive reinforcement for them. Sarawak is not merely known to have a diversity of races, but every race has its own distinctive tradition. It is a high time for Sarawak coastal communities are seen and highlight them through their creativity and innovation.