The Tengkolok Heritage of Perak Darul Ridzuan: The Experts, Techniques, Customs & Taboos

The tengkolok is a unique head covering worn by Malay men and it is still in use today. However, its use is limited to certain cultural events and ceremonies. The purpose of this study is to document, in detail, the experts of Malay tengkolok heritage, especially those who hail from the state of Perak Darul Ridzuan. This paper addresses questions like - who are the tengkolok experts of the state of Perak, what are the tengkolok folding techniques they use and what are the customs and taboos observed in the making of tengkolok? To address these questions, a culturally-sensitive qualitative approach is applied. Interviews and observations were also used in obtaining data, either in writing or visual form. As a result of the observations made, it has been found that there are four tengkolok experts who are still active in the state of Perak. Each expert possesses a different technique in folding the tengkolok, a process called menyolek (literally meaning 'to beautify'). This paper will discuss the tengkolok experts themselves, the folding techniques, customs and taboos in the production of a tengkolok. It is hoped that this research will draw the interest of researchers, especially in the field of Malay clothing, as well as the younger generation, so that they will become familiar with the tengkolok and learn the art of folding the tengkolok. The findings of this study is highly valuable and contributes to the continuation of the artistic heritage of tengkolok folding, which is not well known or appreciated by the younger generation today. Documentation of the tengkolok experts is one way to appreciate the champions of Malay tengkolok heritage. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n4p564