Ngot Bi, 94, one of the last few remaining custodians of tikar bergerang, a traditional weaving craft of the Sarawak Malay community, has passed away. The weaver from Kampung Semera Ulu Sadong Jaya, Asa Jaya, Sarawak, died on Sept 7, according to a news report.
In 2005, the grandmother of eight earned the Seal Of Excellence for Handicraft Products in Southeast Asia award from Unesco. She earned the title Adiguru Kraf Anyaman (Master Weaver Craftswoman) by Kraftangan Malaysia in 2014.
In 2024, Ngot was accorded the title of Best Traditional Weaving (Plaiting) at Yayasan Hasanah's Hasanah Gold Thread awards, an event celebrating excellence and innovation in Malaysian heritage textiles and techniques.
Pandan bergerang is a traditional weaving craft of the Malay community in Saribas, Sarawak. The intricate technique involves weaving layers of pandanus leaves into square patterns featuring motifs inspired by traditional beliefs.
The handwoven mats are used for various purposes, including prayers and weddings, and are also given as welcoming gifts for firstborns.
Similar lattice-weaving techniques are used by some Orang Asli communities in Peninsular Malaysia to make headbands, bags and bookmarks.
Making a tikar bergerang is a meticulous process. Pandan leaves are first selected and cut to a uniformed size before being flattened using a tool called a "jangat". The leaves are then boiled, straightened, soaked and sun-dried before they are ready for weaving.
Yayasan Hasanah posted on its Instagram: "Throughout her life, Ibu Ngot worked to preserve this increasingly rare tradition and pass her knowledge on to future generations. Her legacy lives on through the knowledge she shared, the people she taught and the weaving tradition she worked tirelessly to preserve."
Award-winning social enterprise Tanoti, who had worked closely with Ngot, said they honour Ibu Ngot not only for the beautiful mats she created but for the knowledge, identity and heritage she carried in her hands.
"As tikar bergerang faces the risk of disappearing, her legacy reminds us that preserving heritage means keeping the knowledge alive and passing it forward."
Fashion designer Melinda Looi commented on Tanoti's posting. "RIP Master Sifu. Deepest condolences to her family. She left us with an amazing legacy. Salute."
Sarawakian designer Edric Ong wrote on his Facebook: "Rest in peace, Ibu Ngot! The passing of our legend in tikar begerang pandanus mat weaving. A national artist and treasure from Kampung Semera Asajaya Sarawak. We will greatly miss you! Your legacy lives on." - Star
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