The Story of Serao
Serao is a symbol of Topi Terendak which represents a gift indicates it's importance as a cultural heritage of the Melanau Community.
Our fascination with natural materials and our longing to shape them into new and beautiful forms is almost as old as civilisation itself. Exceptional craftspeople or artisans have always endeavoured to pass on their passion and skills, ensuring that centuries of collective knowledge are transferred into the safekeeping of the next generation.
12 women from a floating village at the coast of Dalat aims to bring this further by building a sense of ownership into the community by changing the iconic Melanau Terendak from a traditional craft into a modern artform.
Renowned for its bold colours, the humble conical hat has transformed itself from a practical means to protect one from the sun and rain into a momento to be shared with the Raja Permaisuri Agong, showcasing the evolution of the craft from a modest necessity to potential luxury.
Responding to the ever-increasing demand for custom-designed products, the ladies of Tanam, by protecting their cultures and traditions, will be able to provide the bespoke and custom production for collectors to expand their wish lists and secure ‘grail’ items on different terms.