Malaysian Songket

• Main Author: Norwani Mohd. Nawawi (Author)
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: Kuala Lumpur Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka 1989
• Subjects: Silk > Malaysia; Textile fabrics > Malaysia; Embroidery > Malaysia
• Online Access: Click Here to View Status and Holdings.

 Songket is a traditional Malaysian handwomen fabric. It is woven on two-pedalfloor looms by the Malay women in the north-eastern coast of the Malay peninsula and in Sarawak, East Malaysia. Traditionally, this songket fabric was woven in silk but today it is also woven in cotton and sometimes in a combination of both. Songket, in other words, means inlaid gold thread or an extra weft weaved, in which all warp threads are carefully counted and arranged intricately so that no overshots will appear on the right side of the fabric. Usually the traditional songket designs are very intricate and the metallic or gold threads would cover the whole fabric. Songket fabric has been used by the Malays for decoration and making costumes for ceremonial purposes for centuries. This fabric does not only have exquisite beauty but is rich in cultural values. It reflects the Malay's cultural identity through its designs and motifs as well as portraying the weaver's skilful craftsman-ship.