| Tales
Of Borneo Author : Benedict S.C Classes : History & Culture Price : US$ 6.00 Availability : Pages : 37 Dimensions : 214. 140. 3 mm ISBN : 983-9019-15-15 Code : 99002 |
Borneo has a rich source of folk tales, legends and myths. The stories in this book comprise part of the rich cultural heritage of the various ethnic groups in Sabah. These stories have been told in different variation and have been handed down orally from generation to generation by the story teller.
In those days when there was no written form of communication story telling was part of the everyday life in the Borneon community. Stories were a way of teaching the younger generations moral values through the theme of the stories told. However these stories are slowly being lost. The young generation of today would rather watch videos and television for their fairy tales rather than listen to their grandmother' stories.
Therefore, publications such as this work by Benedict Chong are to be lauded. Hopefully many more cultural groups, institutions and individuals will make the effort to preserve our cultural heritage. This collection of 13 Borneo Folktales, is only a sampling of the varieties and variations of folktales in Borneo. Much more work is needed to categorize the varieties of Folklore in Sabah, but it is hoped that this publication will add depth to Sabah folkculture. Joanna Kitingan-Kessy Director, Sabah State Archives Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. 1991
AUTHOR
Benedict Chong is one of Sabah's best known and most prolific artists. He has held numerous exhibitions of his work in countries as diverse as Brunei Hong Kong, the United States, Canada, Australia and of course his homeland, Sabah. His enthusiasm for art has led him to experiment with a wide variety of media including water colour, acrylics, oil and above all batik, for it is through batik that Benedict has really made a name for himself.
Combining his artistic talent and a certain flair for showmanship, he produced in 1987, the world's longest batik tie and in 1990 a longer improved version "the world's longest orchid batik tie" featuring one of his favourite subjects - orchids. These have appeared in many of his paintings and more recently in the line of batik wear that he has designed. Altogether it is an impressive output for a man who considers art as only a hobby!
Ever unpredictable, Benedict recently decided to move into a completely different field - writing. His first book, "The Many Faces of Mount Kinabalu" was the result of his lifelong fascination with the mountain. While on a trip to Australia Benedict came across a book of Australian folk tales which impressed him deeply. He felt that the rich and varied folklore of Borneo deserved similar treatment and decided to produce a book which would match the Australian one in quality and concept. Thus Benedict's second book "Folk Tales of Borneo" has born. In a book of folk tales, illustration plays an important part in conveying the atmosphere of the stories.
Benedict wanted to give his hook a distinctlv Malaysian look and decided that batik would best suit his purpose. Using this medium he has created a series of stunning illustrations. In colours both vivid and subtle he has depicted the mysterious, magical world of the stories and the fantastical creatures that live there. Benedict does not intend to stop there. He is already at work on his next book and has plans for others on different topics.
By Datuk Mhd. Yaman Yunus (Director of Sabah Art Gallery)