Malay Heritage Centre

INTRODUCTION

_{Majlis Pusat (Central Council of Malay Cultural Organisations Singapore), Malay Heritage Centre and Malay Art Gallery}

_{presents the Rangsang Rias Pusaka Bangsa V or The Fifth Heirloom Rejuvenation Ceremony; an event to commemorate the arrival of the month of Muharram which is the start of the New Year in the Muslim Calendar.}

_{In this unique ceremony which the only one held throughout the Southeast Asia Region, various aspects of the unique Malay Culture and Tradition will be showcased. These include Cleaning of the Keris ,other Malay weapons and pusakas (heirlooms); Arts and Culture performances such as dances, music, kuda kepang and silat (Malay Martial Arts).}

Event Highlights

Opening Ceremony Procession

^{Headed by the Khalifah or Leader of Ceremony, the arrival of the GOH is welcomed by a procession of Kuda Kepang Performers, Traditional Malay Dancers, Kompang Performers and Martial Art Exponent. The procession will start at the entrance of Sultan Gate and Baghdad Street/Pahang Street, leading to the Malay Heritage Centre’s Hall. The procession is a stunning spectacle showcasing the real hospitality of the Malays welcoming their guest}

Keris Cleansers’ Investiture Ceremony

A ceremony steeped in tradition, the investiture is whereby the cleansers of the keris and other weapons are bestowed upon them the responsibility and task of nursing the Pusakas or Heirlooms. In this regard, it is link to a new phase of life or rejuvenation. It is also significant in starting things anew with a new goal and resolution. The ceremony ends with a prayer seeking blessings and well being from Allah.

Keris Cleansing Demonstrations

Keris Cleansing is a 3-step process whereby the metallic blades of the weapon undergo through acid cleansing using natural acidic ingredients such as lime and pineapple juices; followed by Warangan or Arsenic treatment whereby contrasting patterns and damascene on the blade will be visibly scene and finally, the blade will be dried over amber or incense and smeared with fragrant oils.

Keris Balancing Acts

Nothing mystical or supernatural in making a keris blade stands upright. The keris is ergonomically designed involving the various physics and symmetrical components and applied to the intricate weaponry skills. At a certain angle and with proper positioning and balance, a keris blade is able to stand on itself. Test your hands’ stability and your wits power in making a keris stand!

Arts and Culture Performances

No event would be complete without performances showcasing the unique Malay traditional arts and culture. Several performances had been lined up for your entertainment on various timeslots at the Fountain stage in front of the Malay Heritage Centre Museum. Colourful costumes, graceful moves, melodious rhythms and combat actions are indeed a feast for your senses and soul.

Keris Pageant and Exhibition

Held for the fourth time, the Keris pageant will showcase the finest collection from Singapore’s very own Keris enthusiasts. Entries also include pieces from Regional and International collectors flown in especially for this event. Competing entries will be judged not only according to their artistic but also aesthetic attributes. Ranging over 10 categories, witness the array of kerises and other weapons being judged in strict professional manner at the Malay Heritage Centre’s Museum Gallery.

Fabrics and Textile of the Malay Diaspora Exhibition

^{2008’s Heirloom Rejuvenation Ceremony touches on rejuvenating the Fabric and Textiles of the Malay Diaspora. Feast your eyes on the different types of fabrics and textiles which are rare and only shown for the first time to the public. Explore the splash of colours of the different ethnic costumes of the Malay Diaspora at the Malay Heritage Museum’s Gallery.}

Seminar“Keris & its beauty & Talk “Malay Fashion & its splendour”

^{The seminar and talk session will be held on Friday and Sunday. A minimum fee of $25.00 will be charged. The session will be presented by speakers from MalayArtGallery and Majlis Pusat (Central Council of Malay Cultural Organisations Singapore). Participants will get an insight view of the topics discussed and obtained various information of the art of Malay Weaponry and the Malay Fashion Splendour.}

^{Event Programme}

^{Saturday, 12 January 2008}

^{1030 hrs Opening Procession}

^{Venue: Junction of Sultan Gate & Banghdad Street / Pahang Street leading to MHC Istana Hall}

^{1050 hrs Opening Ceremony (Fabrics & Textiles of the Malay Diaspora Showcase)}

^{Venue: MHC Istana Hall}

^{1055 hrs Keris Cleanser’s investiture}

^{Venue: MHC Courtyard}

^{1100 hrs Keris Cleaning Ceremony}

^{Viewing of Keris Cleaning Ceremony and Keris Sheath & Handle Carving demonstration}

^{1120 hrs Opening of the Exhibition}

^{Venue: MHC Museum Gallery}

^{Keris Cleansing continues till end of day}

^{Exhibition opens according to Museum timings}

^{1330 hrs Performing Arts Showcase I}

^{Venue: Fountain Stage}

^Highlights:

^{Silat Demonstrations, Traditional Malay Music Showcase, Malay Dance Performances,}

^{Kuda Kepang Performances & Kompang}^Perfomances.

^{Start of Keris Pageant Judging}

^{Venue: MHC Museum Gallery}

^{1845 hrs Keris Balancing Showcase}

^{Venue: MHC Courtyard}

^{1600 hrs Keris Balancing Act and Weapon Handling Demonstrations}

^{Venue: MHC Courtyard}

^{1615 hrs Performing Arts Showcase II}

^{Venue: Fountain Stage}

^{1845 hrs Keris Balancing and Weapon Handling Demonstrations}

^{Venue: MHC Courtyard}

^{1930 hrs Silat (Malay Martial Arts) Showcase}

^{Venue: Fountain Stage}

^{2200 hrs End of Day One}

^{Sunday, 13 January 2008}

^{1000 hrs Start of Day Two}

^{Silat Performances by various groups from Singapore}

^{Venue: MHC Courtyard}

^{1030 hrs Start of Seminar and Talk}

^{Venue: MHC Istana Hall}

^{1215 hrs Keris Balancing Showcase and Weapon Handling Demonstrations}

^{Venue: MHC Courtyard}

^{1230 hrs Performing Arts Showcase III}

^{Venue: Fountain Stage}

^{1445 hrs Keris Balancing Showcase and Weapon Handling Demonstrations}

^{Venue: MHC Courtyard}

^{1500 hrs Performing Arts Showcase IV}

^{Venue: Fountain Stage}

^{1715 hrs Keris Pageantry Prize Presentation}

^{Creative Silat Prize Presentation}

^{Certificates Presentation}

^{Venue: MHC Courtyard}

^{1800 hrs Closing of Event}