Not all things Chinese at Gong Xi Fa Cai bazaar

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Silver ‘sugu tinggi’ headdresses are part of the traditional Iban costume.

Intricate beadwork on the hand-woven ‘tangguk’.

An antique copper gong and smaller gongs on the right.

Traditional designs found on the ‘pua kumbu’ weavings.

MIRI: Chinese New Year songs blared to create a festive ambience at Miri’s Gong Xi Fa Cai bazaar in old Miri business district.

The items on display include festive cookies, mandarin oranges and potted bamboo.

But some stalls were displaying colourful native costumes and traditional gongs from another culture.

“The bazaar is a good opportunity to do business due to the crowds,” said Mariam Jilan, 35, who sell traditional Iban costumes, handicrafts and traditional musical instruments.

Among her wares were ‘selampai’ shawls, traditional ‘pua kumbu’ weavings and native headdresses.

“Most of my customers are Iban and Orang Ulu, but there are also Chinese customers and foreign tourists who come here to buy souvenirs,” Jilan said when asked about her customers.

There were also gongs for sale.

“These would cost about RM400,” she said, pointing to a few polished large gongs.

“This large gong would cost more than RM1,200,” she said, motioning towards an unusually large heavy gong on the floor of the stall.

“It costs a lot more as it’s made from old copper and is considered an antique, but my prices are negotiable,” she said with a smile.

Jilan acquires her handmade wares and traditional handicrafts directly from the longhouses.