Scientific study of physical and chemical properties of elemental carving for woodwork preservation

This study aims to investigate the physical and chem-ical properties of the woodcarvings that characterize their struc-tural indicator to resist the deterioration. The main objectives of this study are to identify the visual characteristics of the wood components and to examine the physical and chemical properties of the wood that characterize its structural integrity. The re-searcher conducted a scientific analysis of the selected wood components as specimens using magnification hand lenses (ma-croscopic method) and microscopic tests to determine the wood characteristics and physical properties. This included to charac-terize the physical properties of wood surfaces and to observe the types of wood in details via the instruments. The results show that Meranti (Shoreaspp) and Chengal(Neobalanocarpusheimii) woods were used for different types of woodcarving due to their distinctive properties and visual characteristics. Chengal wood which is classified as heavy hardwood has more durable proper-ties as compared to the Light Red Meranti which is classified as light hardwood. Furthermore, fiber structure in Chengal is more compact than those in Meranti. The study suggests that the wood carving made from Chengal provides specialized structure and it has high resistance towards deterioration

Visual inspection on sources and factors of deterioration in wood components of Malay traditional house

Wood is one of the principal materials for the construction of Malay traditional houses. However, the wood components are subject to deterioration due to the hot and humid tropical country like Malaysia. Therefore this study aims to investigate the sources and factors of deterioration on wood components of a traditional timber house, namely Rumah Dato’ Panglima Gajah in Negeri Sembilan. The house was selected as a case study due to its distinctive form and historical values. The main objectives of this study were to examine the types and properties of wood and to identify the sources and factors of wood deterioration in the house. Qualitative methods of data collection were employed including historical and site analyses, personal interview and site visit. Also, series of laboratory analyses were conducted in two different stages. The first stage of analysis was done to determine the type of wood, its properties and moisture content (MC). In the second stage, environment test was conducted to determine the Relative Humidity (RH) and surrounding temperature of the houses. Visual analysis was conducted on the wood components of the houses to identify and determine the types and factors of deterioration. The result shows that Meranti and Cengal woods were used for the house construction. The wood deteriorations are caused by environmental, biological and physical factors. The study found that Cengal has a minimal deterioration effect because of its higher density and higher resistance toward the environmental condition, termite attack and fungal infestation as compared to Meranti. The study suggests that environment surrounding of the house is the main factor of deterioration. Future research could be conducted to explore the suitable treatment for decayed wood. The Malay traditional houses need to be protected to ensure its heritage values are maintained in good condition. Keywords: Malay Traditional house, wood deterioration, preservation of Malay heritag

Terminologies that characterize the visual and physical properties of wood carving as cultural heritage

This study aims to investigate the physical and visual properties of the traditional Malay wood carving as cultural heritage component, which has been inherited from the old generation of carvers since 16th century. The objectives of this study are: 1) to identify the tangible and intangible attributes of the wood carving components that denote its cultural heritage value, and 2) to analyse the characteristics and physical properties of the wood components. Personal interview with Malay carvers, field observation, visual and laboratory analyses were conducted to determine the physical and chemical properties of the selected wood carving components from Terengganu and Kelantan. The result of analyses characterized the traditional concepts of carving into transfiguration, transformation, translation, transference, transcendence, transmission, translocation, and transition. Also, the result of laboratory test shows that different types of wood especially Meranti and Cengal were used for the fabrication of carving components. The study found that Cengal-based wood carving has distinctive physical and chemical characteristics thus distinguished it from those found in Meranti-based wood carving. The study suggests the visual and physical characteristics of the carving components characterize their heritage values. These characteristics determine the distinctiveness of the carved components that has become the key determinants to their heritage attributes resulting to significant pieces of work. Future research could be conducted to determine the suitable method for preserving the wood carving as cultural heritage. The Malay traditional wood carving need to be protected to ensure its cultural heritage values are maintained in good condition

Terminologies that characterize the visual and physical properties of wood carving as cultural heritage

This study aims to investigate the physical and visual properties of the traditional Malay wood carving as cultural heritage component, which has been inherited from the old generation of carvers since 16th century. The objectives of this study are: 1) to identify the tangible and intangible attributes of the wood carving components that denote its cultural heritage value, and 2) to analyse the characteristics and physical properties of the wood components. Personal interview with Malay carvers, field observation, visual and laboratory analyses were conducted to determine the physical and chemical properties of the selected wood carving components from Terengganu and Kelantan. The result of analyses characterized the traditional concepts of carving into transfiguration, transformation, translation, transference, transcendence, transmission, translocation, and transition. Also, the result of laboratory test shows that different types of wood especially Meranti and Cengal were used for the fabrication of carving components. The study found that Cengal-based wood carving has distinctive physical and chemical characteristics thus distinguished it from those found in Meranti-based wood carving. The study suggests the visual and physical characteristics of the carving components characterize their heritage values. These characteristics determine the distinctiveness of the carved components that has become the key determinants to their heritage attributes resulting to significant pieces of work. Future research could be conducted to determine the suitable method for preserving the wood carving as cultural heritage. The Malay traditional wood carving need to be protected to ensure its cultural heritage values are maintained in good condition

Sustaining the traditional wood craft for industrial production by the master woodcarvers of peninsular Malaysia

The art of Malay traditional wood carving has been popularly practiced in the past centuries and continuously implemented by the present generation of woodcarvers in Malaysia. In the current context, a desire for a modern industrial production of wood craft by local people as an alternative choice, has given some positive impact on the market value for Malaysian traditional craft. This paper discusses the production of the wood carving as national craft by two master woodcarvers from the northeastern region of Peninsular Malaysia, namely Wan Mustafa Wan Su and Noorhaiza Nordin. Their works and opinions that served as inferential evidences were obtained through face-to-face interviews that were conducted within an informal environment. The interviews focused on the aspect of fabrication of wood carving with particular emphasis on creative use of carving techniques and design for domestic application. Observation and photographic documentation of their works were necessary measures to complement the interviews. Hence, examination on the carvings produced by the woodcarvers which exemplifies their distinctive craftsmanship is also addressed in this paper. The study found that the most profound works produced by them are wood paneling for houses and mosques that reflect their self and regional identity. Also most of their works are inspired and derived from nature which signifies their strong preferences to the application of floral design. This implies that apart from Islamic religious belief, creativity and innovation has become the most influencing factors that govern their craftsmanship. In addition, the physical and practical values of the carvings extracted from the past traditions are still in tact in their works. This study concludes that traditional craftsmanship along with additional values including artistic and design skills that enrich the products of the master woodcarvers from this region should be sustained for future development of woodcraft industry in Malaysia