Malaysia · Beadwork / Textiles
Manik Rungus / Linangkit
The Rungus people of the Kudat peninsula in northern Sabah are celebrated for two distinct craft traditions of equal sophistication: the vinusak — a multi-strand coiled beaded neckpiece that can weigh several kilograms and takes years to accumulate the correct ancient glass bead combination — and the linangkit — a supplementary weft silk brocade using a specific hook-and-shuttle technique unique to the Rungus. The vinusak is the most significant material status object in Rungus culture — each strand of ancient glass beads accumulated over generations and the full necklace representing the family's entire accumulated wealth. The linangkit supplementary weft uses a bone or bamboo hook to pick individual warp threads — a one-thread-at-a-time technique that produces extraordinary pattern density.
Risk level: Critically Endangered · Not inscribed
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