Structure, Building, and Conservation of Kolek Boats as Malay Traditional Boats＜Special Theme : Material Cultural Studies on Boats and Fishing Tools Based on the Museum Collections and Fieldwork＞

This paper presents a study of Kolek boats: traditional boats used by fishermen on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Recordings of the structure and design of the boats are important for the cultural heritage and maritime history of Southeast Asia. An important characteristic of this boat is its decorative art, with various attractive colors. After conducting this study through direct observation and qualitative interviews with boat builders at the field site, this report was composed to record the traditional boatbuilding methods, with investigation of the names of the major parts of this boat. The results of this study revealed that these boats were built traditionally and that the work was done on a hereditary basis. The study showed that Kolek boats are important objects for the cultural history of the eastern coast of Malaysia, especially for that of Kelantan, and not only as tools for fishing but for the decorations of the boats, which are loaded with Malay art and culture. In-depth research must be continued to elucidate the values and philosophies underlying the art and culture from the production of these heritage values. This study also investigated the Kolek boat collection at the National Museum of Ethnology, Japan, with presentation of some discussion of its significance and characteristics.