Batuh Narit Arur Bilit of Pa’ Umor: A Visual Analysis onto a Carved Stone from the Megalithic Monuments of the Kelabit Highlands
Rafee Y. M.1, Awang Arshad A. H.2, Siri H.3, Jussem S.W.4, Bala P.5, Maying D.6, Aman Leong S. N7
1Rafee, Y. M., Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia.
2Awang Arshad A. H., Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia.
3Siri H., Faculty of Art, Computing and Creative Industry, Sultan Idris Education University, Perak, Malaysia.
4Jussem S.W., Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia.
5Bala P., Faculty of Social Science, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia.
6Maying D. S. N., Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia.
7Aman Leong S. N., Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia.
Manuscript received on 07 May 2019 | Revised Manuscript received on 19 May 2019 | Manuscript Published on 23 May 2019 | PP: 912-917 | Volume-7 Issue-6S5 April 2019 | Retrieval Number: F11570476S519/2019©BEIESP
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: This paper seeks to investigate on the Kelabit’s material culture based on a visual archaeological study of the megalithic stone, particularly the carved stone known as Batuh Narit Arur Bilit, from the district of Pa’ Umor in Bario, Sarawak, Malaysia. The primary focus of this paper is to advance knowledge within the practice, especially in the visual art research, and how it can be used as a digital content to promote eco-tourism in the rural area. Previously, there were lack of techniques that can be used as an example on how visual art can be used to explore other disciplines such as anthropology. Thus, this study will highlight several issues pertaining to the visual documentation process of the megalith, notably on the relation of the symbol and drawing carved on the surface of the stone. By using empirical research, the biography of the monument will be explored via experiential learning and visual analysis, especially in considering our sensory with practical experience. These findings are the result of visual recording practices such as drawing, photography and video as well as site observations, with the highlight of the discovery of the long-lost stone carvings. What started as an unintentional discovery has evolved into a rich visual study of the cultural narratives and has developed as an identity that also has a historical impact and cultural content for the eco-tourism sector in the Kelabit society.
Keywords: Material Culture, Practice-led, Megalith, Kelabit Highlands, Visual Analysis.
Scope of the Article: Visual Analytics