Mythologies of the Mah Meri Tribe

 

The Mah Meri are an ethnic group native to western part of Peninsular Malaysia. They are one of the 18 Orang Asli groups named by the Malaysian government. They are of the Senoi subgroup. Most of the members of the Mah Meri tribe live along the coast of South Selangor from Sungai Pelek up to Pulau Carey, although there is at least one Mah Meri Community on the other side of the Klang River. According to the Orang Asli Office of the Malaysian government, they numbered around 2,200 in 2005. Most of the Mah Meri live in small villages (kampungs) on the fringes of other cities and on Pulau Carey, which has five separate villages of Mah Meri. Their ancestors are believed to be associated with the arrival of Austro-Asiatic migrants associated with the emergence of fire-cutting agriculture on the Malay Peninsula and the emergence of rice. Due to cultural exchanges and trade, some Mah Meri and Senoi have intermixed with local Negrito tribes. Mah Meri in Mah Meri language means "Jungle people" (Mah = people, Meri = jungle).,[10] while in another term the meaning of the name means Bersisik (meaning, "scaly" in Malay language)[11] or Persisir (meaning, "coastal" in Malay language). They are also considered as Orang Laut due to them residing in settlements that are nearby seasides and work as fishermen.[12] They are believed to have migrated from the islands in southern Johor to the coastal shores of Selangor in order to escape from their enemies. Today Mah Meri community has undergone changes in terms of mentality and development as a result of integrating with other neighbouring communities. The Mah Meri language, also called Besisi, is an Austroasiatic language. It is part of Southern Aslian sub-branch of Aslian languages, and is related to Semelai, Temoq and Semaq Beri. There are an estimated 3,000 people still speaking the language, but it is seriously endangered. Many among them are skilled in carving statues that are made from wood. Their carvings include deities, humans, flora and fauna figurines. These carvings have gained recognition from the UNESCO. Handicrafts produce of the Mah Meri community in Sungai Bumbun, Kuala Langat have high artistic value and the potential to be recognised at an international level.


Hidden in the wonders of Carey Island in Malaysia, the Mah Meri indigenous cultural village can be found. Showcasing and bringing their culture for everyone to have a taste, the Mah Meri tribe are here to help you learn and discover more about their way of living. Bask and participate in the adventurous and sublime life of this culture through their lifestyle, food and celebrations. Broaden your knowledge of the life of this nation through the wondrous activities that the journey takes you on. Founded in the year 2011, the Mah Meri Cultural Village aims to bring the Mah Meri, also known as the “Masked Men of Malaysia”, culture back to life and to the public. After settling down in the heart of Carey Island over 100 years ago, the Mah Meri tribe brought their culture and customs to everyone else. While providing employment to the Mah Meri tribe, the group ensures the continuity of their cultural practices, arts and rituals through the showcasing of their unique way of life. The Mah Meri Cultural Village is situated amongst the vast palm oil plantation. Although there is no public transport available to travel directly to Carey Island. From the one-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur City Center to Teluk Panglima Garang, you will find yourself enticed by the beauty of the narrow roads and Malay villages that lead you to Carey Island. No place in Malaysia offers you this wonderful learning experience of the indigenous community like the Mah Meri Cultural Village. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Mah Meri culture throughout your visit. You will be able to grasp and experience the everyday life of this native lifestyle while participating in lively and fun communal celebrations held and guided by the locals. Guests are welcomed into the village with a traditional headdress presented by the tribe. Join in the fun learning experience with a leaf origami lesson which is recorded in the Malaysian Book of Records.



The ancient Mah Meri tribe, sometimes referred to as the “Masked Men of Malaysia”, is one of 18 indigenous communities living in Peninsula Malaysia. They are widely regarded as some of the best mask makers in the world; some of their handicraft have been known to fetch thousands of dollars. While many of the natives have assimilated into modern life, with jobs in nearby plantations and farms, much care has been taken to ensure that their ancient rituals and customs are documented and preserved. There is a small gallery/museum and traditional house in the village compound that is open to visitors. The village is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit Pulau Carey’s Mah Meri Cultural Village is during Hari Moyang (Ancestor Day), which takes place around March or April each year, Puja Pantai (Oceanic Healing) or during a wedding ceremony. During the festival, the tribesmen and women wear intricately carved masks and perform the mystifying Tarian Jo-oh (Jungle Dance) and Tarian Topeng (Mask Dance), which are main features of the festival repertoire. Genuine crafts purchased at the Cultural Village or National Museum bear the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Seal of Excellence and come with a certificate of authenticity. These crafts are handmade out of a rare, reddish swamp hardwood called Nyireh Batu. Each piece has its own story that is related to their ancestral legends. The Mah Meri tribeswomen are extremely adept at palm weaving. Over here, visitors get to assist them at making headdresses or other decorative items made of palm fronds.


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