Norhayati Ayob, Mohamad Shamsu, Sazmal Effendi Arshad, Khairul Hanim Pazimand Esterlina Moo Lazarus
Keywords: traditional pottery, local clay, triangulation formula
Abstract: The goal of this paper is to provide an initial context on the process of traditional ceramic pottery manufacturing, focusing on the materials and cultural heritage effects. Ceramic pottery is one of Sabah’s heirloom hallmarks, not only used as preparation and storage pots, but also strongly related to folk cultures and heritage. The cultural group of Semporna, or best recognised as the Sea Gypsies, of Bajau Laut, are mainly boat dwellers and operate on the coast as fishermen. This ethnic group, especially the traditional hand-made clay stove named Lapohan, is famous for its own traditional artistic heirloom. It is noticed that Lapohan (clay stove) is used to cook the meal and as a food warmer when they are at sea in the everyday life of the society of Bajau Laut. In addition, Lapohan pottery conveys the symbolic sense of natural artefacts, reflecting the identity and ideals of the group of Bajau Laut. This analysis is an experiment at Pulau Selakan, Semporna Sabah, focused on local clay. Which is to increase the workability of clay using Triangulation Formula with flux and filler variations to create quality clay that can conduct creative artwork. Use Pulau Selakan clay and mixing various percentages of flux and filler to arrange and disperse raw material proportions to use the realistic reconciling and firing tests to obtain acceptable formula processes to establish new formula of the clay body. This research is also focused on the sequential phase of the process of processing the clay, shaping, decoration procedure, motif application, and firing techniques to produce pottery and taboos. In conclusion, it is hoped that this research would lead to the survival of traditional pottery output in Sabah as well as to conserve future generations of their culture and heirloom.
