The indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia are called
‘Orang Asli’ or aborigines. Malaysian Government introduced the phase ‘Orang Asli’ in the
1950s referring to small cluster of people who live deep in the Malaysian rain
forest.
The element of magic and ritual (pagan) are famous in their culture
making this ‘Orang Asli’ called a primitive. They also believe in forest or nature spirit where all daily activities must be blessed by the spirits or if not they will be cursed for their whole life.
In reality we may say they are poor and lag from current
technology. But if we look in different point of view, the indigenous people
also develop their own standard of living and technology in order to suit in the
environment they live in. They have their own culture and skills which are
related with the forest and nature.
They have their own musical instruments and dances which are very interesting and unique. They make mask and
clothing made from plant for their sacred ceremony. At Melaka Aboriginal Museum, the tools used by all tribe of
the indigenous people in Malaysia are displayed. It is
located just about 2 km from Ayer Keroh toll and beside the Melaka Crocodile Farm. The museum was officially open in 3rd February 1997 and visitors can find information about the main
aboriginal tribes history in Malaysia like Senoi, Jah Hut and Mah Meri here.
The Museum consists of five gallery with five different themes. The
themes displayed at the gallery are; method for catching the fish, agriculture
tools, aboriginal kitchen, sleeping room, and weapons. Most attractive subject
are the hunting tools and the sermon tools that kept undiscovered mysteries about the
tribes black magic practices and witch crafts.
The museum building are adapted from the aboriginal wooden
houses that utilize tree bark, bamboos and logs with no concrete structures at all.
Opening Hours:
Open everyday from 9.00am to 5.30 pm. (accept Monday)
Admission Fees:
Adult : RM1.00
Children : RM0.50.
Contact: 606-2317932
