5^th September 2024 Michelle’s Mom and Beena

Hello, everyone. I’m thrilled to share a stunning piece of quilting with you. It’s a beautiful quilt, a masterpiece crafted by Michelle’s mom. She meticulously pieced together equal squares, each cut by Michelle, to create this work of art.

The history of quilt-making is a captivating journey from 3400 BCE. Initially, quilts served a practical purpose, providing physical protection and insulation. However, over the centuries, they have transformed into intricate art pieces. One of the oldest surviving quilts, the Tristan quilt of Sicily, was crafted in 1360. A quilted linen carpet found in a Mongolian cave, dating back to 100 BCE to 200 BCE, is another testament to the enduring legacy of quilt-making. The National Gallery of Australia is home to the Rajah Quilt, a medallion quilt with a Broderie perse at its center, made by women who were convicts when they were transported from Woolwich to Hobart, Tasmania, in 1841. Quilt-making also played a significant role during various wars, serving as a popular way to raise funds and provide warmth and comfort to soldiers. Notably, during the American Civil War, quilts were used to convey coded messages to slaves seeking freedom.

Hence, I was curious about quilt-making in Sarawak. Michelle’s mom said the earliest version of its origin was from a dudou in China. Dudou is a belly wrap or cover for the chest and belly. In China, dudou had many purposes, including flattening the breasts and preserving the stomach qi. Different names in various countries call it, each with unique cultural significance. In Japan, it is called haramaki, a traditional garment worn for warmth and health benefits. It is called yem in Vietnam, a symbol of femininity and beauty. Here, it is called tuthap (Bidayuh dialect) as it is a piece of cloth for infants to protect their chest and abdomen. Quilt-making in Sarawak is a way to preserve these cultural traditions, and the quilts often feature traditional motifs and patterns. Now, quilt making here is mainly for blankets or table cloth. The closest to a dudou in English would be a bib or apron.

I find quilt-making a form of therapy and mental stimulation. A group of people can make a quilt and share their stories. Or an individual can make a quilt. As one needs to plan a pattern, it requires mental and cognitive skills to make a quilt. Hence, I would encourage anyone who wish to remain sharp mentally to pick up this skill. It is similar to knitting, crochet, embroidery or carpentry work. All these need various skills to come together. I encourage such skill-based learning for our mental and physical health.

The art of quilt-making embodies centuries of tradition, cultural significance, and resilience. From its practical origins as a source of physical protection and warmth to its evolution into intricate art pieces, quilting has captured the hearts and stories of generations. Michelle’s mom has brought this heritage to life in her stunning masterpiece, meticulously piecing together equal squares with care and dedication.

Delving deep into the rich history of quilt-making, we uncover captivating tales such as the Rajah Quilt, a medallion quilt made by women convicts in 1841, and the ingenious use of quilts to convey coded messages during the American Civil War. Beyond borders, cultures from China to Vietnam have their own variations of the dudou, each carrying its own unique cultural symbolism.

In Sarawak, quilt-making stands as a testament to preserving cultural traditions, with each stitch reflecting the significance of family and community in Bidayuh culture. It serves as a means of storytelling, mental stimulation, and therapeutic expression. The process demands meticulous planning and cognitive skills, making it an ideal activity for maintaining mental sharpness and overall well-being.

Let’s continue celebrating and preserving the art of quilt-making, recognising its profound cultural and personal significance. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Michelle’s mom for graciously sharing her masterpiece, which inspires us all 🤗🙏.