Orang Asli Craft Museum, Kuala Lumpur

A lot more pics than text in this review. Relatively newly opened on the site of the National Museum, and only visitable (is that a real word?) on a combined ticket with the Ethnology of the Malay World Museum – spoiler alert – for RM5 foreign price, RM2 local, the Orang Asli Craft Museum showcases the art and craftwork of some of the indigenous tribes of West Malaysia.

Carving, Orang Asli Craft Museum, Kuala Lumpur

Most of the work is from the Mah Meri tribe nearby in Selangor, but I believe it covers all the other 17 tribes as well. There are large wood carvings as you enter, then figurines and masks. Most are animist deities, humans or actual animals; the more modern pieces seem tailored for today’s art galleries. That doesn’t detract from their quality, though.

Bark clothes, Orang Asli Craft Museum, Kuala Lumpur

There are also woven pieces, agricultural tools, clothes made from bark, weapons, and musical instruments. The museum is all too small, as it is interesting but won’t take much longer than 45 minutes to look round. I definitely recommend considering it as part of an extension to the National Museum rather than making a separate visit. Think of it as 3 museums for RM10 when added to the Ethnology of the Malay World Museum, and in that spirit it’s worth the entry fee and the journey.

Musical instruments, Orang Asli Craft Museum, Kuala Lumpur

Address: Jalan Damansara, 50566 Kuala Lumpur

Telephone: 0322671154

Website: http://www.jmm.gov.my/ms/muzium/muzium-seni-kraf-orang-asli

Blow gun, Orang Asli Craft Museum, Kuala Lumpur

Figurines, Orang Asli Craft Museum, Kuala Lumpur

Big carvings, Orang Asli Craft Museum, Kuala Lumpur

Desk, Orang Asli Craft Museum, Kuala Lumpur

Cages, Orang Asli Craft Museum, Kuala Lumpur

Weaving, Orang Asli Craft Museum, Kuala Lumpur

Agricultural instruments, Orang Asli Craft Museum, Kuala Lumpur

Distribution of orang asli, Orang Asli Craft Museum, Kuala Lumpur

Masks, Orang Asli Craft Museum, Kuala Lumpur