SPIRIT CARVINGS OF THE MAH MERI OF MALAYSIA
by Peter Crowe
Full colour coffee-table book on the spirit carvings of the Mah Meri – and the carvers and their carving heritage.
254 pages. 20cm X 27cm (8 inches x 10 inches).
Co-published by the Center for Orang Asli Concerns and GeraiOA. Release date: 15 January 2016.
The ‘co-publishers’ opening the first pack of books on 12 January 2016.
Based on the carvings in the collection of London-based Peter and Rohani Crowe. Peter started collecting the carvings in 1994 and since then began a near-obsession of the Mah Meri carving heritage. He researched all aspects of spirit carvings among the Mah Meri over 20 years of acquaintance with the carvers and their families.
Peter and Rohani browsing through copies of the book barely a few hours after delivery.
Apart from relating the tales behind the spirit masks and sculptures, the book also delves into the background and functions of the spirit carvings, the Moyang (or spirits), the wood used, the process of spirit carving and also its current development. You will also get to meet the carvers and know their stories – the early pioneers who have since passed on, the currently established ones and the talented younger ones.
It is basically a book of the Mah Meri carvers and their heritage. With a primary objective to ensure continuity and recognition of that heritage.
More than 400 photos and lots of interesting information.
The book will be retailed at RM70.00 for the softcover. And RM95.00 for the hardback. Prices for Orang Asli purchasers: RM50.00 for the softcover and RM70.00 for the hardback. Will be available from www.gerakbudaya.com as well as from COAC and GeraiOA.
Still looking for errors …..
Planning meeting for the book launch and honour lunch for the carvers on 15 January 2016 at Kampung Sungai Bumbun, Palau Carey.