Pasir Gudang International Kite Festival
February 12-19, 2006
Pasir Gudang, Malaysia
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In mid-February Board President Scott Skinner, Administrator Ali Fujino, and videographer Matthew Stubbs represented the Drachen Foundation at the Pasir Gudang International Kite Festival in Malaysia. According to Fujino, "It might be delightful if DF had no other role than to attend kite festivals. They're so entertaining, and are very important for bringing together kiters from all corners of the world and sustaining the development of contemporary kites. Unfortunately, DF must limit its visits to sites where it can document traditions in kiting. The traditions may be cultural, historical, or related to sport and recreation, aviation, or science and technology. And then we can share our documentation through the web."
The Pasir Gudang festival offered a rich opportunity to experience Malaysian kite craft first hand-in Fujino's words, "to feel the beat of a country that lives in kite making, to feel the winds of Malaysia and witness the lyrical flight of the wau." Kiters at all levels, from masters to beginners, from two hundred villages in nine districts, brought more than six hundred kites for the week-long display and competition. Fujino particularly appreciated the "masterful, nearly perfect" museum, where Malaysian kite heritage is preserved and beautifully exhibited. The Drachen team also conducted numerous interviews with kiters from Singapore (the venerable Shakib Gunn) and Cambodia, and renewed acquaintance with kite friends from around the world.
To learn more about the Pasir Gudang festival and its neighboring museum, read Ben Ruhe's account of a 2003 visit. And watch for postings about Malaysia's kites as DF organizes and expands its digital archive. |
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| All photos Matthew Stubbs & Ali Fujino |
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