Though they account for under 0.1% of the population, largely residing in the coastal regions of Selangor, their traditions and way of life are a significant part of Malaysia’s identity.
As a long-time activist and advocate for the Orang Asli cause, Rashid Esa serves as the director of the Mah Meri Cultural Village, a role that has allowed him unparalleled access to the community.
Rashid’s new book “Moyang: Spirit People of Carey Island” is a profound exploration of the Mah Meri people, whose culture, art, and way of life are on the brink of disappearing.
With over three decades of immersive experience living among the Mah Meri, Rashid offers readers an intimate glimpse into a world that, as he warned, may not exist for much longer.
“They are slowly disappearing, not just physically but in every sense. Just imagine if one day, there are no more Chinese, Indians, or Malays in this country,” he told FMT Lifestyle.
“I have always wanted to write down my experiences and thoughts on the Mah Meri. But I wanted to fully understand their culture, before documenting it for the world to experience,” Rashid shared.
The book is divided into seven chapters, each exploring a different facet of Mah Meri life, from their unique marriage customs to their iconic Moyang spirit sculptures, which have earned Unesco recognition.
The origins of Rashid’s deep connection with the Mah Meri began unexpectedly.
In 1989, while working on a personal project to clear and rehabilitate disused mining land near the Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve, Rashid crossed paths with the Orang Asli.
The project initially involved creating fish ponds, but as he spent more time in the area, he developed relationships with the local communities. “It was here that I first learned the ways of the indigenous people,” he recalled.
His growing curiosity about the Orang Asli, particularly the Mah Meri became a lifelong mission to understand and document their cultural heritage, with Rashid living among them.
“I didn’t go there with the intention to study or research. I lived with them. I did what they did. If I had to go into the grave to bury someone, I would do that,” he shared.
Rashid explained how he dedicated significant time to scientifically understanding every facet of their practices, including using the blowpipe, a traditional hunting tool that symbolises their survival skills.
“I spent 10 years travelling across the state to study the blowpipe and its mechanics. It’s highly technical,” he remarked. In fact, he even took parts of the tool to laboratories for detailed analysis to determine their composition.
Perhaps one of the most captivating elements of Mah Meri culture, as Rashid highlighted, is their spirit sculptures.
“The spirit sculptures are the link to the past,” Rashid stated. He explained that these sculptures are not just art but representations of the tribe’s beliefs and ancestral connections, each telling a unique story.
In his book, Rashid decodes several of these artworks including the intricate origami-like bunga moyang.
As the book progresses, Rashid challenges readers to reflect on their own preconceived notions about indigenous peoples.
“The Mah Meri are neither primitive nor Sakai,” he asserted, using the derogatory term once commonly applied to them. Instead, he emphasised that they are a sophisticated society with a wealth of knowledge and information that urban dwellers could learn from.
While the book delves into the intricacies of Mah Meri life, it also serves as a call to action – a reminder that time is running out.
In “Moyang: Spirit People of Carey Island,” Rashid invites readers to not only learn about the Mah Meri but to connect with a culture that is at a crossroads.
In Rashid’s words: “My hope is that through understanding and preservation, the spirit of the Mah Meri can live on.”
Learn more about the Mah Meri Cultural Village here.