Motif & design patterns of keringkam embroidery for the Sarawak Malays

This research is conducted to study motifs of keringkam embroidery for the Sarawak Malays in Kuching. The objective of this study is to classify motifs and design patterns of the keringkam embroidery. Sample of study consists of textile collections belonging to Mrs. Salbiah binti Muhi and Miss Zainap binti Muhi, who are amongst the dominant figures in the keringkam embroidery industry in Kuching, Sarawak. Method of study involved Qualitative method through observations, interviews and document analysis to obtain research findings. In doing analysis, the motifs were re-created using Adobe Illustrator CS6 software for each of the motif in the sample of study. It is found that these keringkam embroideries were designed to floral patterns. Floral motifs commonly used for keringkam embroideries are motifs of bamboo shoots (pucuk rebung), roses (bunga mawar), trailing beans (kacang-kacang) and scattered flowers (bunga tabur). It is hoped that these findings can significantly contribute to the study of motifs particularly the keringkam embroidery textile industry.