Malay wood carving: The Godang house at Koto Sentajo

Abstract

Malay house varies in roof forms such as Limas, Lontiok, Bagonjong, Kajang, Layar, Crossbreed. The house can be identified from its shape, stage, saddle roof, and finials. The house is also enriched by ornaments and carved panel with in certain philosophies and meanings. One of Malay houses is known as a Godang house which can be found at Koto Sentajo. However, this house shows how Malay house is starting about to change. It can be found from wood shifting material, and less ornament used today. This paper investigates on the Godang house in order to understand the changing, the meaning, and preserving Malayness. Qualitative research approach was used to obtain data and information. It has also added with interviews to local ethnic leaders. Field data is analyzed by open coding, axial coding, and selective coding techniques to find variation of wood carving. The finding shows about house layout and typologies of wood carving such as engraving panel on windows. Another carving motif has figured out that is known as Pinang-Pinang, Gasing, Terali Biola, Wajid, Lebah Begantuang, Awan Larat, Kaluk Pakis and Semut Beriring that are carved on the house.