"BEMBAN"

BEMBAN

(Arrowroot Reed)

Bemban in Iban language, a white-flowering reed of the arrowroot family (Donax spp) grows mainly by the river bank. Its pliability and strength allows it to be woven into all sorts of interestingly shaped baskets and soft mats. Bemban reeds are fashioned into mats and baskets which may be dyed or paint for decoration, but traditionally the patterns are woven into fabric and only show up in oblique light.The smooth outer skin is used to work intricate self-colored patterns - drawn from the traditional lore of the Iban people, with names like 'leopard claw', 'birds nest fern', or 'bamboo shoot'. Modern applications of an old technique include clutch bags, storage boxes, sitting mats, purses, dresses, interior wall in a house and table-mats. 

The project evaluation: 

EVALUATION ON THREE SHOPS

After visited the shops, we find that they also have their own page or websites on internet. The website they provide are very good for those who interested to reach out the shops online. The information description in their websites also very helpful to customer or reader. The customers are given an opportunity to ask about the items, events and others question.

Beside that, their shops also provide a short term course and long term course for those who are interested in traditional skills such as “tenunan”, traditional dance and other skills. When they provide a few courses, this will help much in maintaining the traditional culture.

In term of personality of the shops, it is very manageable. They tag every each of the items and they also provide the description. Description of items which is includes the history of the items and how it relates with certain culture. For example, the description of Pua Kumbu. (picture). These three shops has more similarity as 

These three shop has more similarity where their products made from bemban. The cost to get the bemban from supplier is equal. The bemban is directly sale to them depend to their monthly order. From the observation, the price of each items from these three shop a bit difference.  For example; the basket at Sarakraft Pavilion and Sarawak Craft Council is RM 15.00 and PKKM price is RM 15.90. Their creativity will attract more customer to come. 

Lastly, a very thankful to the staff at the three shops as they provide us with a lot of knowledge and experience at their shops. Their corporations are helping us much in this assignment.