Reviving the Forgotten Textile Art, Telepuk

Historically, the luxurious gilt-patterned textile known as telepuk was exclusively produced in the palace and worn by the royal family. 

Sadly, it has been extinct for three generations now.

Today, Gerakan Langkasuka — a movement by Lamar Dollar Sdn Bhd that researches, documents and publishes books and videos to revive telepuk — is determined to change that narrative. 

Supported by Hasanah, they work with Adiguru Norhaiza bin Noordin, recipient of Tokoh Kraf Negara title this year, to salvage this rich textile art from being lost to the sands of time.  

Master woodcarver, Adiguru Norhaiza honed his skills since 1984 and finds it interesting that telepuk also involves carving motifs on wooden stamping blocks. So, he began learning more about it. 

Thus far, he has conducted six workshops organised by Lamar Dollar, one of which was graced by the presence of DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agung Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Binti Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj.  

An important aspect of Gerakan Langkasuka is training new talent. When I was in university, we learned the textile history of western countries,observes Lamar Dollars Intan Jailani who hopes universities will focus more on local textile art.

Hasanah Arts, Culture, Public Spaces Lead, Zainariah binti Johari states the need to remain authentic but not be averse to innovation in promoting and reviving it. She looks forward to a new generation of talent being born under the tutelage of Adiguru Norhaiza and the forgotten art form getting a new lease of life. 

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