A comparison of motif designs between Tenun Pahang Diraja and Terengganu Songket / Mas Ayu Zainal@Ismail, Dr. Siti Rohaya Yahaya and Dr. Nani Hartina Ahmad

The songket weaving art has been passed down through Malay society for hundreds of years. The origins of this fabric can be traced back to the 13th century, during a period of trade between the Malays and the rest of the world, including India, China, Egypt, and the West. The trade relationship developed as a result of the Malay World's strategic location, which led to its status as the world's main trading route. Among the Malays, textile is known as the most desired merchandise, and it remains so to this day. Notably, silk and songket weaving are important local activities in Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan, where weavers incorporate local cultural values and identities in their motif pattern designs. The motif's design is prominent to emphasise the weaving's uniqueness in addition to incorporating the elements of daily life such as cultural, religious, aesthetic, and symbolic values. Many of the terms and designs that are used in weaving and songket motifs are similar. This textile design and aesthetic aspiration can be found in the fabrics of Tenun Pahang Diraja and Terengganu Songket. Songket weaving motifs are inspired by nature, such as flowers, plants, and animals. Despite their apparent similarities, the motif's touches on both fabrics displayed unique distinctiveness. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify the least visible differences in the motif designs of Tenun Pahang Diraja and Terengganu songket. This comparison also seeks to highlight how the overall traditional motif design is developed to create a work that stands out in its own right. The tangible articulation demonstrates that the local heritage textiles possess elements of the nation's cultural art tradition as well as the inventive ability to establish a detail on the production of a perfect look through product statement.