By Nur Diyana

 

Held at the Central Library on 7 August 2024, the talk, “Singapore’s Forgotten Weaponry Tradition: A Revival in the Making” by Dr Mohamed Effendy from the Southeast Asian Studies Department, was met with great enthusiasm. Reflecting on the event, Dr Effendy observed that the audience’s engagement with the presentation on endangered Southeast Asian heritage, particularly traditional weapons craftsmanship, was highly encouraging.

He further remarked that “allowing the participants to hold these traditional works of art provided a crucial tactile experience that will undoubtedly deepen their appreciation for the artistry and cultural significance embodied by these pieces.”

The hands-on interaction with the curated materials from our collection also enabled participants to connect more intimately with this often-overlooked chapter of Singapore’s heritage.

Dr Effendy further captivated the audience with a live demonstration of keris-wielding techniques.

This event marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to bring attention to Singapore’s cultural heritage and support the continued exploration of these traditional crafts. We look forward to sharing more insights and fostering further appreciation for these rich cultural traditions in future events.

If you’d like to explore the topic further, take a look at this curated list.