I thought though since I havent updated in a while, that it would be worth updating you with something I did over the weekend sometime last year. I dont think Ill be going back again anytime soon, but its most deff worth a trip out I think.
The Boyfriend and I first saw these handiworks in Cameron Highlands. It was so amazing we couldnt believe it was all handmade. There was a news article on the people who did all the woodwork and we decided to pay them! a visit.
(Incredible statues all hand made!)
Located off in Klang, Kampung Sg. Bumbun comprises of the orang asli (aborigines) that focus on woodwork. They carve their gods generally used in a dance for worship. Originally each family would carve their own Gods. However as the community started swindling, theyve passed on different gods to the different members of the community.
(Hard at work)
Nowadays, their work has become a bit more commercial and they tend to sell it out to tourists. They make both masks as well as statues. When we saw the prices in Cameron Highlands, it was reaching RM1,000 plus each (mostly for the statues). However if you go there and try and buy it directly, you generally would get it for a much much lower price.
As mentioned, the masks were initially used in dance ritual, thus you can actually wear it over your head. I left buying a small 'owl' God (Got it for around RM80 if I remember correctly) and we left an order for The Boyfriends Dad. When I came back to pick it up, they had made an incredibly intricate (and semi scary) mask of wild boar God. The mouth piece was even hinged. When you place it over your face and open your mouth, the mask would open its mouth as well. We got this for around RM300plus.
It usually takes them about 2-3 days to make a small one and up to a week to make a large mask/ statue. The statues Im showing below took about 4 men ~8 days to complete. The woodwork here is truly truly impecable.
(This is as large as I am)
I recommend going over to see this at least once in your life, and bring cash so you can just buy things off the rack. I feel that its slowly dying out. When I last spoke to them, they mentioned there use to be tourist busses that would come down to see them, but nowadays its been really really slow for them as well.
(The shrine)
Kampung Sungai Bumbun. To get there, take the Federal Highway all the way to Klang, go all the way till you come up to the other end of Klang (the one with the Giant Jusco and mall which should be on your right) Keep on going straight all the way going straight on the flyover and just keep on going. Eventually you will see a sign that says Kg. Sg. Bumbun turn right. Turn right and keep going straight, you should pass the Sime Darby plantation on your left and right and there would be a Sime Darby office building on your right. Drive slow and there will be a small sign to your left that says Kg. Sg. Bumbun. Drive into the village and you will face a fork in the road. Turn right on the fork. Drive slowly on this one lane road. You will see houses to your right and left. But you will also see little huts that look standardized. This is where they do their work. Park anywhere and just wander up and down the road. The people are very friendly and you can just walk up to talk to them and ask them if you can watch them work.
Deff try and go before it gets too late and this tradition too gets wiped out from us.
Enjoy!
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