A wayang kulit piece depicting a gunungan. Image courtesy of Malay Heritage Centre
The Javanese were amongst the biggest group of early settlers in Singapore. Many came as merchants, traders, artisans and labourers, and settled in Kampong Jawa, where they added to the diversity of the cosmopolitan port town of Kampong Gelam. These early migrants brought with them unique culture and traditions, and played an influential role in shaping Malay heritage and identity as we know it today.
Trace the social and cultural history of Singapore’s Javanese community through a new exhibition jointly presented by the Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) and the Javanese Association of Singapore (JAS). Titled Pusåkå: Heritage and Culture of the Javanese in Singapore, it highlights the significance of pusåkå or inheritance to the Javanese community in Singapore. The exhibition also focuses on the ways in which the community continues to uphold their traditions and culture, and passes them down to the next generations.
This is the third installation in MHC’s Se-Nusantara (“Of the Same Archipelago”) series, held annually to celebrate the rich ethnic diversity of the Malays in Singapore.
The exhibition will be launched by Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Member of Parliament for Chua Chu Kang GRC, on 29 May 2016, 2.00pm.
Venue: Malay Heritage Centre, 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501
When: 29 May - 28 Aug 2016,
