Kelantan

2000 - stamp booklet featuring traditional Malay fishing boats

Fishing was a major occupation of the Malay living on the East Coast as well as in the adjacent Patani district of Thailand. Boats like these were commonly used until the introduction of motorized vessels after WW2. The stamps show three of the larger boat types popularly used. Different types of boats would be needed to navigate the seas during the often violent North Eastern Monsoon time (Jan-Feb), as well as to suit the type of net used. The Perahu Buatan Barat was generally used w lift nets (pukat takur), and the Perahu Payang with a drag net (pukat payang). Perau Buatan Barat originate from the Pattani region, the others were locally built. The boats shown here are of the largest types with the most elaborate carving.

Wood carving is a traditional Malay skill and also often seen in the decoration of houses and objects of use. On boats, the carving on the prow has the ritual purpose protect the fishermen while out at sea, while on the stern it also serves a practical use as a rest for sails and nets. The prow of the Perahu Burung (the brown boat) shows a makara, a mythological sea monster originating in Hindu mythology. Its long snout is reminscent of a heron, adding further significance. Herons, bangau are often depicted outright on the stern of the boat, and have thus lent their name to this feature, but on the stern of Perau Payang (the boat with the red stern and blue barge boards) shown here the decoration takes a different shape.