CULTURE
Brunei's
culture mainly derived from the Old Malay World, which encompassed
the Malay Archipelago and from this stemmed what is known as the
Malay Civilisation. Based on historical facts, various cultural
elements and foreign civilisations had a hand in influencing the
culture of this country. Thus, the influence of culture can be
traced to four dominating periods of animism, Hinduism, Islam
and the West. However, it was Islam that managed to wound its
roots deeply into the culture of Brunei hence it became a way
of life and adopted as the state's ideology and philosophy.
Brunei
Darussalam is richly endowed with cultural heritage steadfastly
maintained until today. The setting up of the Arts and Handicraft
Centre in 1975 is a living testimony as to the preservation and
the proliferation of the arts and crafts of the bygone days which
Brunei was renown for such as boat making, silver-smithing, bronze
tooling, cloth weaving as well as mat and basket weaving. Relics
and other various artistic heritage of Brunei Darussalam besides
the ones mentioned above include Malay weaponry, wood carvings,
traditional games, traditional musical instruments, 'silat' (the
traditional art of self defence) and decorative items for women.
Some of these are kept in the Brunei Museum and the Malay Technology
Museum; not only for the world to see but most importantly for
today's generation to admire and be proud of, for future generation
to emulate, perhaps and something to remind us of our forefather's
natural skill, creativity and innovativeness which over generations
has been ingrained as one of the richest traditional culture in
the Malay world.
The
life of the average Bruneian revolves around his religion, Islam,
with certain things being forbidden (haram), certain things tolerated
but not encouraged (makruh) and certain things which fall under
the embrace of Islam (halal). Pork, the consumption of alcohol,
eating meat not slaughtered under Islamic guidance, casual touching,
adultery, and coming into contact with the wet nose or hair of
a dog are baram. Smoking and eating shellfish are considered makruh.
Bruneians shake hands by only lightly touching hands and then
bringing the hand back to the chest; it is not customary to shake
hands with members of the opposite sex. You should not point your
finger, instead use the thumb of your right hand with the four
fingers folded beneath it. To call a taxi or attract someone's
attention, wave the whole hand with the palm facing down wards.
Do not smack the fist of your right hand into your left palm,
because it has a different meaning in Brunei to that of Western
countries. When visiting a mosque, you should always remove your
shoes first and you should not pass in front of a person at prayer
or touch the Koran. Women should cover their heads and not have
their knees or arms exposed. Gifts and particularly food should
only be passed with the right hand, although it is acceptable
to use the left hand under the right wrist for support.
