MANAH: A LIVING LEGACY

To a large extent, the indigenous ‘worldview’ is grounded on important ancient stories and symbols. A belief that the world is a symbol of creation and is therefore sacred and must be revered. The world as a sustainer provides continuous resource which exists since time immemorial. Having strong traditions which is deeply rooted with ancient practices, the indigenous people is very much connected with the natural world.The symbiosis becomes the template for the indigenous culture and its social order.The interdependency between man and nature created the sanctified relationship between people and the world they inhabit.

Central to the indigenous culture are traditional symbols which are based on momentous stories. Without a written lexicon, their stories are orally recounted through ritualistic dance and songs; and their beliefs are embedded through their artworks. Such is their way to pass on vital information and in preserving their culture.

Due to its confined presence, indigenous art have recurrently been misrepresented. Although both originates from a completely different visual languages, however there are attempts to compare indigenous art to a western art form.