Malaysia Cultural Instruments Stamp; Malaysia Artefacts Stamp

As used to modern food processors and blenders as we are, it's easy to forget the implements that were used not too long ago. In order to preserve this heritage, Pos Malaysia is issuing its second series of stamps depicting old implements and cultural artefacts. The stamps come in three designs and two denominations of 30 sen and 50 sen. The 30 sen stamps feature the stone grinder while the 50 sen stamps will feature the supu (tobacco container) and the coconut scraper. Two of the stamps will have the standard 40mm x 30mm measurements while the third is the first triangular stamp to be printed in the country.



Stone Grinder

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

"Batu giling" or stone grinder is a traditional tool consisting of two parts made of stone, referred to as "mother" and "child". The "mother" is the millstone or base part of the grinder where the chilli or spices are placed, whereas the "child" is the smaller piece of stone used to roll onto the base stone to crush and grind the said spices. Using this stone grinder will produce a fine and well grounded paste of spices or chilli.



Supu

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

"Supu" is a small container used to keep tobacco. Made of silver and beautifully decorated with fine carvings, it is also used as a decorative accessory by the Bajau community in the district of Kota Belud, Sabah. Amongst the Dusun Tindal community, it is known as "kuapu" and is used as a decorative accessory for the bride and bridegroom's wedding costume.



Coconut Grater

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

"Kukur kelapa" or coconut grater is a tool used to grate or scrape the flesh of the coconut from its shell. The traditional coconut scraper is shaped out of a piece of wood for the seat and at the end is a sharp-edged metal spur. Creativity from the artistic Malays have resulted in the "Kukur kelapa" carved based on the design of a four-legged animal complete with the tail and other carvings of nature-inspired motives such as plants.

The coconut grater was once a very important tool in every Malay household as coconut milk is an essential ingredient in Malay cooking. Although its usage by the city folk have reduced due to the preference of electric tools, this tool is still much in use in the outskirts.

Some myths about "kukur" is that it is either male or female. Women are not allowed to use male "kukur" especially during major feasts.