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Kelantan's cottage industries are found
mainly on the outskirts of Kota Bharu with the majority being not more
than 10km from the town centre. For silvercraft, Kampong Marak, Kampung
Sireh and Kampung Badang are the most well known. Famed for their
intricate designs, Kelantan silverware offers traditional and decorative
items from vases to jewellery.
Only
4km north of Kota Bharu at Kampung Penambang is a 'songket' weaving
factory. Here silk material is woven with gold and silver thread.
Originally the silk material came from Thailand while the gold and
silver threads were imported from India. The use of songket material was
once reserved for royalty but now it is used for ceremonial occasions
and weddings. Batik factories are found in Kampung Putih, Kubor Kuda and
Kampung Badan. A visit is to a batik factory gives an insight into the
process of batik printing. In the past, basic cotton materials were
printed using the stamp block method. Now much more sophisticated
methods are used on a variety of materials, both for attire and as well
hangings.
Kelantan wood carving is
perhaps among the best in the region. Carvers produce ornate mirror
frames, head boards, decorative panels for wall mounting or free
standing lamp stands and more. The great majority of the designs reflect
floral motifs and Islamic scriptures. The art of kite making, although
not restricted to Kelantan, is of the highest order. Kites of all shapes
and sizes take to the skies especially after the harvest season and
Kelantan kites are without doubt the finest in the land. Requiring
tremendous skill and patience, the art of kite making is usually handed
down from father to son. Some of these kites carry names such as 'Wau
Bulan' (moon kite), 'Wau Kucing' (cat kite) and 'Wau Merak' (peacock
kite). There are numerous shops in Kota Bharu and many more along the
road to 'Pantai Cahaya Bulan' selling and displaying a vast array of
gaily decorated kites.
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