Dr Zuliskandar Ramli
KUCHING: Archaeological documentation of various types of beads found at Bujang Valley will be presented at the 3rd Borneo International Bead Conference 2013 (Bibco 2013) at Four Points Sheraton Hotel from Oct 11 to 13.
According to a press statement from UCSI Communications Sdn Bhd, the paper entitled ‘Discovery and Research of Various Types of Beads in Bujang Valley’, will be presented by Dr Zuliskandar Ramli.
Zuliskandar will also talk on the discovery of various types of beads found in Sungai Mas, Kota Kuala Muda in Kedah.
“In Sungai Mas, you can find thousands of beads of various shapes, sizes and colours,” said Zuliskandar, whose interest in beads began in 1999 when he was part of an archaeological research team at Bujang Valley.
Their discovery also revealed that Sungai Mas was the centre of Indo-Pacific bead making in South East Asia between fifth and 12th century.
Other speakers at the conference organised by Crafthub Sdn Bhd and managed by UCSI Communications Sdn Bhd are Elaine Kim from Korea, Akwele Suma Glory (Africa), Valerie Hector (USA), Martina Dempf (Germany), Stefany Tomalin (UK), and Su Chin Sidih, Patricia Nayoi, Heidi Munan and Dr Poline Bala from Malaysia.
Crafthub hopes to attract some 300 delegates to attend the conference – to provide a networking platform for bead artisans, scholars, researchers and producers, local and overseas, to share and exchange ideas and expertise as well as to showcase and promote Sarawak’s beads.
Apart from the talk, other activities at the conference include hands-on workshop and demonstration, bead bazaar, gala dinner and post conference tour.
The Borneo International Beads Award will also be held.
The competition is opened to anyone above 18 and is offering cash prizes totalling RM17,185.
The competition is divided into three categories namely bead-work, bead-stringing and bead-making.
For the bead-making category, participants must submit a minimum of five specimens of beads made from various materials like glass and ceramic.
The conference is supported the Ministry of Tourism (Sarawak) and Department of National Heritage and endorsed by Sarawak Tourism Board, Sarawak Convention Bureau, Sarawak Museum, Sarawak Craft Council, Sarawak Cultural Village, World Crafts Council and World Crafts Council Asia Pacific Region.
Details and entry forms can be obtained at CraftHub’s website at www.crafthub.com.my.