Buah Buton in Traditional House Interior: Representation of Women's Role and Influence

Main Article Content

Issue Vol. 7 No. 1 (2024)
Published Jan 29, 2024
Section Articles
Article downloads 295
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7454/in.v7i1.276
Submitted : Dec 27, 2022 | Accepted : Jan 12, 2024

Fakhrur Razi Maamor Sabzali Musa Kahn Basitah Taif

Abstract

Buah buton is a three-dimensional wooden carving as an interior object in the traditional house of Negeri Sembilan. The purpose of this article is to establish a link between the buah buton in Luak Tanah Mengandung, Negeri Sembilan and the position of women who connect the legacy and leadership in the Adat Perpatih, a customary community law, and how such a relationship manifests itself within the traditional house's interior. The function of buah buton was revealed through fieldwork and interviews with community leaders, which were then combined into a narrative that represented the function of buah buton. The findings revealed the presence of buah buton design hung in certain positions in certain houses, mainly in women-dominated areas. The design and position of the buah buton represent the concept of feminism, which refers to the nature and character of women applied to the visual shape and position of the subject. This aspect is associated with the house’s interior, such as the mother's house and tiang seri, which represents the unique characteristics of women and their influence in the Adat Perpatih. Through exploration of the psychological and cultural aspects of the mother's house within Adat Perpatih, this article intends to gain a deeper understanding of the societal framework. This inquiry will shed light on the distinct ways in which these environments shape and reflect women’s pivotal roles and influences in their society.

Keywords: buah buton, art, carving, customary, influence, women

Article Details

How to Cite
Maamor, F. R., Kahn, S. M., & Taif, B. (2024). Buah Buton in Traditional House Interior: Representation of Women’s Role and Influence. Interiority, 7(1), 61–78. https://doi.org/10.7454/in.v7i1.276
Author Biographies

Fakhrur Razi Maamor, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia

Fakhrur Razi Maamor (PhD) is a postdoctoral researcher in the fields of art, culture, and philosophy. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and a master's degree in Art and Design from the Faculty of Art and Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam. Following that, he earned a doctorate in philosophy from the Academy of Malay Studies at Universiti Malaya. Involvement in the world of visual arts and culture has resulted in research and publication of articles on the pioneered field. Giving lectures and talks about art and culture is now one of his activities that help empower and dignify ancestors' heritage on a global scale.

Sabzali Musa Kahn, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia

Sabzali Musa Kahn (PhD) is a Dean at the Academy of Malay Studies, Universiti Malaya and an associate professor. He earned a degree in visual arts from Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang. He later earned a master's degree in Education from Universiti Putra Malaysia and a Doctorate (PhD) in Architecture Studies from the same institution. He began his career as a consultant for the government and corporate sectors. He was part of the committee that established Universiti Industri Selangor, Malaysia. He was also appointed as a secretariat member to help develop the master action plan for Malaysia's Ministry of Unity and Development Community. His participation in numerous major exhibitions organised by universities, galleries, and the State and National Art Galleries has greatly expanded his knowledge and experience as an artist.

Basitah Taif, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia

Basitah Taif (PhD) is a senior lecturer at the College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam and an associate professor. She earned a PhD from Universiti Malaya, a Master of Art from the University of Central England in Birmingham, United Kingdom, a Post Graduate Diploma from the same institution, and a degree in Fine Arts from the University of North Texas in Texas, USA. Her expertise in the textile industry has led to invitations to serve as a jury or supervisor in various events, including technical reviewer for the International Conference on Islamic Business, Arts, Culture, and Communication 2014 and Consultation Work for Perlis Royal Gallery, among others.

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