Pua Kumbu: Satu analisis semiotic Peirce

• Main Author: Nooraini, Musie
• Format: Final Year Project Report
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, (UNIMAS) 2017
• Subjects: H Social Sciences (General); P Philology. Linguistics
• Online Access: http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/34125/2/Nooraini%20ft.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/34125/

The Pua Kumbu is an identity for the Than community of Sarawak which comprises the traditional motives of the Dayak people. Pua Kumbu is made by the Than community as an omen by mystics of a higher, supernatural power through dreams. This piece of fabric is also known as the ritual cloth due to its use during celebrations or ceremonies. The Pua Kumbu is known to be_used when communicating with the supernatural world known as 'dunya sebayan'. As in various cultures alike, the art of weaving this piece of tradition has only been known to be passed down through generations of women. Exceptional women who could weave difficult motives or those who received inspiration from dreams in order create motives were regarded highly amongst the Than community. Therefore, the creation of the Pua Kumbu's motives are analysed through the Semiotic triangle theory proposed by Peirce. This study focuses on the second level of signs which include the object's and three major elements: icon, index and also symbol for the Than community. Thus, the connection found in the signs of the motives of Pua Kumbu and the Than community is examined. Five motives were analysed, which are Gajah Meram, Lelanjan Bungai Nuing, Engkeramba, Baya as well as Rapuh Nabau. These 5 motives possess a high status and are acknowledged by the Than community itself.