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ASEAN Arts and Crafts on Exhibition at WIPO

Geneva, September 20, 2002
Press Releases PR/2002/323

Textiles and musical instruments from countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) - grouping Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam - will be on display at an exhibition hosted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) from September 24, 2002. In addition to the exhibition, a master puppeteer from Malaysia will perform a shadow puppet play, or "Wayang Kulit" at WIPO from September 24 to 26, 2002.

The exhibition and puppet show are held within the framework of WIPO's ongoing efforts to showcase the creative diversity that exists around the world and the role of the intellectual property system in protecting and preserving the fruits of creativity. The intellectual property system further enhances the world's cultural heritage by justly rewarding artists and creators. "It is a great honor for WIPO to host this exhibition which illustrates the immense richness and cultural diversity of South East Asia," said Dr. Kamil Idris, WIPO Director General. "Exploring the cultural artifacts of these countries provides a fascinating glimpse of the deep-rooted cultural heritage of South East Asia," he added.

The exhibition shows vivid examples of how different peoples of the region combine the use of natural materials such as wood, bamboo, plants, and fibers to create musical instruments and textiles. The results - a wide variety of design, color, and textures - provides insight into human creativity and its invaluable contribution to enriching our environment.

"At WIPO we are actively engaged with our member states in promoting a broader understanding of the value of human creativity and innovation, its role as a vital national resource, and how all nations can benefit from an efficient and equitable intellectual property system that encourages such creativity. We are also exploring how the intellectual property system relates to the preservation and protection of traditional knowledge and expressions of folklore, and how it can help safeguard our heritage for present and future generations," the Director General said. In 2000, WIPO hosted an exhibition of works by contemporary Arab artists. Last year, the Organization presented an exhibition of traditional and contemporary African art, featuring works from some 35 different ethnic groups.

The exhibition features a broad selection of artifacts from the ASEAN region and provides a snapshot of the enormous variety of textiles and musical instruments which have for centuries occupied a central role in the societies of the ten countries of the ASEAN region. The exhibition includes a wide range of musical instruments such as tubular chimes, gongs and xylophones, all of which have a deep cultural significance in the various ASEAN countries.

Textiles, which frequently play a central role in the rituals of the court, state and spiritual belief systems and rites of passage of these countries are also featured in the exhibition. The silks and brocades, cottons and batiks, sumptuous gold and silver embroidery, gold dust, gold leaf, as well as beautifully woven everyday garments, pillows, saddle cloths for horses, burial cloths and more that will be on display are hallmarks of the rich cultural heritage of countries in the ASEAN region.

In addition to the exhibition, a master puppeteer from Malaysia will be at WIPO from September 24 to 26, 2002, to give performances of "Wayang Kulit", or a shadow puppet play, which is part of the traditional knowledge and folklore in Malaysia. It has been popular in many oriental countries for over a thousand years. A master story-teller, who is considered a keeper of the folklore and traditional knowledge surrounding the Malay forms of theater, is able to capture the audience's attention by manipulating as many as thirteen different voices. The story-teller is supported by several musicians using traditional instruments.

For details about visits to the puppet show or other information, please contact the Media Relations and Public Affairs Section Section at WIPO:

  • Tel: (+41 22) - 338 81 61 or 338 95 47
  • Fax: (+41 22) - 338 88 10
  • Email: publicinf@wipo.int.
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