The Symbolism and Philosophy of Pucuk Rebung Motifs as Culture Material in Traditional Malay Society
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/idealogy.v11i2.988Keywords:
Pucuk Rebung, Malay motif, Symbolic Anthropology, Malay philosophy, material culture, traditional ornament, cultural symbolismAbstract
The Pucuk Rebung (bamboo shoot) motif is one of the most enduring and recognisable visual elements in Malay material culture, appearing extensively in traditional architecture, textiles, woodcarving, ceramics, manuscript illumination, and decorative arts. Despite its widespread use, existing studies have largely examined the motif within individual artistic disciplines, resulting in fragmented interpretations of its philosophical and symbolic significance. This article aims to explore the philosophical and symbolic meanings embodied in the Pucuk Rebung motif through a conceptual review of existing literature. Employing a qualitative desk study approach, the research synthesises evidence from scholarly publications, books, historical manuscripts, museum collections, official heritage documentation, and archival sources from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Borneo. The findings reveal that the motif represents multiple layers of meaning, including growth, resilience, humility, moral cultivation, spiritual aspiration, cosmological beliefs, and cultural identity. Drawing upon Symbolic Anthropology as the theoretical framework, the study interprets the motif as a cultural symbol through which Malay society expresses its worldview, ethical values, and relationship with nature. The review demonstrates that the enduring significance of the Pucuk Rebung lies not only in its visual form but also in its ability to communicate shared cultural meanings across different artistic media and historical contexts. This study contributes to the understanding of Malay decorative traditions and provides a holistic interpretation of one of the most significant motifs in Malay visual culture.
Keywords: Pucuk Rebung, Malay motif, Symbolic Anthropology, Malay philosophy, material culture, traditional ornament, cultural symbolism.
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