Their intricate and neatly leaf-woven costumes portray the image of the ‘sanitized modern native’, transitioning from a traditional to a modern lifestyle.

Mah Meri have been wearing T-shirts and batik clothing since the 1970s and their connection with the attire of their predecessors is primarily based on imagination and custom rather than traditional knowledge.

The Mah Meri has designed costumes based on their imagination of the natives and many of the designs are borrowed from the bunga moyang (spirit flowers); which are used in healing ceremonies.

Fresh leaves from the forests were used to tie or weave together designs that represented the flora and fauna of Carey Island. 

All the fresh leaves are from the nipah tree.