Volume 2 Issue 3 2013 Academia Journal UiTMT (http://journale-academiauitmt.edu.my/) Page 94 THE ART OF MELAKA: MENGKUANG PLAITING Noor Hafiza Ismail Faculty of Art and Design Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Terengganu 21080 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia Tel: 609-6216765/6013-3789300 E-mail: noorh728@tganu.uitm.edu.my Norwani Md. Nawawi Faculty of Art and Design Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: 603-32584077/6012-6108145 E-mail: norwani178@salam.uitm.edu.my Ngo Kea Leng Academy of Language Studies Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Terengganu 21080 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia Tel: 609-6216857/6012-9009353 E-mail: klngo@tganu.uitm.edu.my Hazma Shazaziana Muhazer Academy of Language Studies Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Terengganu 21080 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia Tel: 609-6216854/6019-3353442 E-mail: hazma206@tganu.uitm.edu.my Abstract Mengkuang (screwpine) leaves plait are unique and are high in quality in term of its design and workmanship. The Mengkuang plaiting is not only meant for daily or leisure used, but it has a great potential to be commercialized to the entire world as it can enhance the reputation of its hereditary handicraft. The history of plaiting is believed to have started during the Neolithic age in parallel with the development of art pottery that was popular during that time. The purpose of plaiting is to produce a mat product by applying cross media production. Plaiting process is an activity which is time consuming and some plaiting is complicated to prepare as the medium used and the motive chosen is depending on the surroundings. The process also requires determination and patience, without persistence, perseverance plaiting activity cannot be done. It requires high expertise because the workers need to have convergence and accuracy in the production of any equipment or products are based on the plaiting typed produced. A unique and creative plaiting designed will help the society to maintain the Malay culture originality. Keywords: Melaka, Mengkuang, plaiting, motif, pattern 1. Introduction The art of plaiting is something that cannot be detached from the traditional life in Nusantara communities. From the mat to the wall, home decorations and work