Symbolic Interpretations of Mah Meri Visual Art: A Conceptual Approach Using Peirce’s Semiotic Theory

  • Fadli Abd Razak Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam
  • Mohd Shariful Hafizal Aminuddin Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam
  • Mohd Fadhil Kamarudin Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam
  • Mohd Shahrizal Mat Hussin Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam
  • Aidah Alias Universiti Teknologi MARA Malacca Branch, Malacca
Keywords: Semiotic Analysis, Mah Meri Tribe, Visual Art Heritage, Cultural Identity, Charles Sanders Peirce, Symbolism, Ethnography, Indigenous Art, Visual Anthropology

Abstract

This study examines the visual art heritage of the Mah Meri tribe through a semiotic analysis. Utilizing Charles Sanders Peirce's Semiotic Theory as the foundational framework, the research decodes the symbolism embedded in Mah Meri's artistic expressions. The aim is to understand and document the deep meanings behind these symbols and their impact on the cultural identity and historical narratives of the Mah Meri tribe. An ethnographic approach is employed for data collection, including field observations, photographic and videographic documentation, and qualitative interviews with community members. The findings reveal that Mah Meri's art is rich in symbolic meanings that reflect the tribe's cultural identity and history. The study also highlights the negative effects of modernization on traditional art forms, necessitating urgent preservation efforts. This research makes significant contributions to the field of visual anthropology by emphasizing the importance of semiotic analysis in understanding and preserving indigenous art. It calls for increased efforts in documenting and protecting the visual heritage of the Mah Meri tribe to ensure its transmission to future generations.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Afiqah, A., & Abd Aziz, M. K. (2022). Symbolism On Anyaman Kelarai Motif Fauna of Indigenous Craft. Journal of Arts & Culture, 1(1), 56-69.
Coluzzi, P. (2016). Levels of vitality and efforts to maintain Bidayuh and Mah Meri. Southeast Asia: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 16, 39-47.
Fadli, A. R., Adzrool Idzwan, I., Kamarudzaman, M. I., & Mustaffa Halabi, H. A. (2012). The impact of Che Wong tribe resettlement through image representation: the documentation of Che Wong tribe at Kuala Gandah, Lanchang Pahang Malaysia. IPEDR, 51, 40.
International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 10(16), 73-95.
Peirce, C. S. (1931). Collected Papers of Charles Sanders Peirce. Harvard University Press.
Rahimah A. Hamid (2015) Kearifan Tempatan: Dari Lisan Ke Aksara Dan Media Hammersley, M., & Atkinson, P. (2007). Ethnography: Principles in Practice. Routledge. Pink, S. (2013). Doing Visual Ethnography. SAGE Publications.
Razak, F. A., Aminuddin, M. S. H., Kamaruddin, N., Aziz, N. N. A. N., & Zamzuri, N. H. (2023). Sustainable Design Model for Social Wellbeing among Che Wong Community towards Photojournalism. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 13(6), 1836-1844.
Sidyawati, L., Sudarmanto, J. A., & Berahim, E. M. H. B. (2020). Development of Infographic Character Design of Malaysian Mah Meri Tribe’s Animal Masks As Learning Media of Traditional Masks. KnE Social Sciences, 14-29.
Wardhana, F. S., Yuhan, X., & Qian, C. A Study of Cultural Identity, Cultural Heritage and Tourism Development in Mah Meri Community Cultural Village, Carey Island, Selangor, Malaysia.
Zuhairi, M. H., Rosnon, M. R., & Shaari, J. (2020). A systematic review of the Mah Meri people in Malaysia.
Published
2024-09-05
How to Cite
Abd Razak, F., Aminuddin, M. S. H., Kamarudin, M. F., Mat Hussin, M. S., & Alias, A. (2024). Symbolic Interpretations of Mah Meri Visual Art: A Conceptual Approach Using Peirce’s Semiotic Theory. Information Management and Business Review, 16(3(I), 103-106. https://doi.org/10.22610/imbr.v16i3(I).3931
Section
Research Paper