‘Take up handicraft arts of ancestors’

0

Harden hitting a gong to officiate at the event.

SRI AMAN: Dayak youths have been urged to take up handicraft arts handed down by their ancestors as the products can be highlighted to other races in the future.

In relation to this, Simanggang assemblyman Datuk Francis Harden Hollis hoped for some parties to organise handicraft making activities or competitions from time to time not only as a means to keep the tradition alive, but also to attract the Dayaks to learn about the arts.

“Those who have the handicraft items at home should market them, either via online or during events like the Sri Aman Benak (Tidal Bore) Festival. This way, Dayak handicraft can be developed and able attract interests of youths in continuing the tradition,” he said at a dinner held in conjunction with the Handicraft Products Launch 2014, organised by the local branch of Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) on Sunday.

Harden also presented an allocation of RM5,000 under his Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant to the branch, while a cheque of RM5,000 was given by Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) administration officer Diana Empeni, on behalf of its president Tan Sri William Mawan.

The function also saw SIDS Sri Aman chairwoman Roselyn Abunawas and organising chairman Lansing Bansi attending.