As we are well aware, Malaysia is home to a diverse range of ethnicities. But do you know of the Mah Meri tribe? If you’ve never heard of them, keep reading for a first-hand account of a trip to the Mah Meri Cultural Village organized by Taylor’s College on 24th April.

We started the day by gathering at the campus at 8am, where a bus was waiting. After taking a group photo, we were on our way. It was about an hour drive to the village, located in Carey Island, Selangor.

Upon arrival, we received a Mah Meri leaf-woven headpiece and were introduced to a tour guide who gave us a brief introduction about the Mah Meri tribe. Also known as ‘The Masked Men of Malaysia’, they are one of 18 indigenous groups in West Malaysia. They are renowned for masterful woodcarving and expressive masks worn during dance rituals to represent ancestral spirits. Part of the Senoi subgroup, they are believed to have come originally from Yunnan via Southern Thailand around 10,000 years ago. They arrived in Carey Island hundreds of years ago. Now their communities are spread over five villages with a population of 4000 on the island.

As we set foot into the village, it felt like we were transported into a place separated from the rest of the world. Towering trees, colourful flowers and a variety of plants lined the dirt pathway. We passed by a table filled with a box of slingshots and cans located on a raised plank in the distance for us to shoot at. There was also a booth with a blowpipe: one of their traditional weapons.

After a brief tour of the village, which consisted of their customary houses and huts, we boarded the bus and headed off to the beach. We walked along a straight, narrow path along the beach for some time, then dug holes on the beach to plant saplings. We proceeded to pick up rubbish strewn around with the intention of beautifying the place. The beach wasn’t like any other. Instead of soft, fine sand and blue waters, it consisted of shallow brown muddy water.

Despite the lack of aesthetic, this beach is a sacred site to the Mah Meri people as they host their traditional ritual Hari Moyang (Ancestor Day) there. The ritual appeases the spirits of the sea and was started many years ago when, according to legends, a junk ship carrying passengers and goods was caught in a big storm off Carey Island. None of the islanders thought the ship would survive the storm, but to their surprise, it was dragged to the shore by some unknown force. Villagers believe that Moyang Getah (Spirit of the Rubber) had saved the ship and its passengers. During the ritual, the Mah Meri people will offer a feast, dance, sing and communicate with the deceased through prayers.

Exhausted from the hard work, we returned to the village. This time, we entered the museum which displayed an array of wooden sculptures, weapons such as a bow and arrow, and carved masks. The masks are a representation of their ancestors, often used in worshipping ceremonies.

Next was a hands-on activity known as weaving—strips of leaves used to make accessories. As beginners, we were taught two simple weaving patterns, leading to a final product that looked like satay sticks. Though it was confusing at first, I got the hang of it eventually and was satisfied with the outcome. Also, did you know the art of the Mah Meri leaf origami is said to be older than the Japanese paper origami? Cool, right?

We also got the opportunity to try on the Mah Meri traditional costumes and acted out part of a wedding ceremony. Wedding ceremonies are very complicated and involve great expense as there are seven rituals that must be completed in four days. The suitor picks his wife from a line of potential candidates who are separated from him by a curtain. The candidates only show their hands through a curtain, and the prospective groom chooses his future wife based on the hands.

Besides, there are puzzles for the groom to solve in order to be deemed worthy of marrying the bride. If the bride’s family approves of the groom, the puzzles tend to be easier. The final rituals include sharpening of teeth so that if the couple should die their spirits would not eat their children. After the ceremonies are completed, the pair sits on a throne, which can only be sat on by a newly married couple. Lastly, there was a dance performance and we were welcome to join in.

All in all, the trip was fun and insightful as I have gained an understanding of the Mah Meri tribe. Even though I’ve lived in Malaysia my whole life, I was unaware of them until recently. I think that learning isn’t limited to a specific place and time; rather, it is a constant force throughout our daily lives, and this trip was a testament to that.