The Sustainability’s Motif and Design of Fauna in
Malay Block Batik
Rabiatuadawiyah Binti Mohd Kari
1
, Mohd Azhar Samin
2
, Rafeah Legino
3
,
Herwandi
4
, Handoko
5
{rubycarry91@yahoo.com
1
, azharsamin64@gmail.com
2
,
rafeahlegino@gmail.com
3
}
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia
1,2,3
, Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Andalas
Padang, Indonesia
4,5
Abstract. This study is about the traditional fauna motif, which is an identity within
Malaysian blocks batik. In addition, the history of the traditional block can be traced in
Kelantan and was introduced in the 1912s. Later, in the 1930s, this technique was spread
to Terengganu. Currently, with the globalization and modernization, the traditional motif
is less publicized. Thus, the identity of block batik is less dominant. Therefore, this study
aims to classify the various types of local block motifs and designs based on their
features using suitable methodology. Comprehensive literature was conducted, and a
typology was chosen to analyze the fauna image of the traditional block batik motif.
Through the analysis, the traditional and modern motif of fauna group was organized and
recognized. The outcome of this blueprint can be used to propose guidelines in designing
motif and design of block batik based on the local Malaysian identity. The purpose of
this study is to deliver precise clarification and portray the traditional identity of this
textile. There is a need for the block batik motifs to have a traditional identity in the
future design through the creation of guidelines to maintain local identity. Overall, batik
manufacturers, policymakers, other researchers and universities can adopt the standard as
a reference in the future for the sustainability of traditional batik motifs.
Keywords: Block batik, Design, Motif, Identity.
1 Introduction
The making of block batik has a few certain process. In the process of making, block
(sarang) had a variation of motif where it is an important tool to print on the surface of the
fabric to produce the pattern. These are the process of block batik fabric making. First, clean
and white cloth is placed on a moist padded table. Next, the block batik (Fig. 1) is immersed
into the pot filled with wax and is pressed against the cloth. The process is repeated until the
entire cloth has been filled with wax patterns. The block can be changed based on the
requirements of the design. After the waxing is completed, the fabric is soaked in dye where
the colour fills the areas that have not been waxed. The original white colour will only be
visible when the wax has been removed from the fabric [1]. Block batik uses brilliant
techniques that are needed to be studied.
IConShel 2018, September 05-06, Padang, Indonesia
Copyright © 2019 EAI
DOI 10.4108/eai.5-9-2018.2281088