In conjunction with their 1st Anniversary and their effort towards becoming the arts and heritage centre of the Malays in the region and beyond, Malay Heritage Centre proudly presents the Twin Exhibition. This exhibition will run until 8 October 2006.

The Twin Exhibition is a golden opportunity for visitors to discover the romantic period of Johor-Riau-Lingga and its heirlooms. And at the same time, learn about the connection between the Sultan of Riau-Lingga with Sultan Hussein of Kampong Gelam. The exhibition brings guests on an insightful journey into the ancient links of the Bugis from Riau-Lingga with Singapore, through trade and early settlements.

The exhibition showcases rare items from the Bugis people of South Sulawesi and the districts of former kingdoms of Luwu, Wajo, Bone and Makassar. Be enlightened by their customs, culture and heritage that has Malay-Riau Bugis connections.

These artefacts are on special loan from Museum Nasional Jakarta and Museum La Galigo (Makassar). Shown for the very first time in Singapore, they are valued at a whopping $4.2 million. From symbols of royalty to material culture, they belong to the era of Malay kingdoms, which early Singapore was a part of.

Some of the artefacts include the crown of Siak, a Keris from Riau-Lingga decorated with rubies and diamonds, a regalia Cogan, a Spittoon set and betel leaf set containers. All these priceless artifacts are made of pure gold!

The Mahkota or Crown once belonged to the royal family of Sultan Siak Sri Indrapura in Riau. Made of goal and decorated with filigree designs, it was donated by Sultan Syarif Kasim II to the Indonesian government after their independence in 1945.

The Cogan is part of the regalia of Sultan Riau-Lingga. Its shape is symbolical of a mountain and the tree of life mythology. The Malay text written in jawi states that the ruler is the descendant of Sultan Iskandar Zulkarnaen from Bukit Siguntang in Jambi, Indonesia.

The 18-carat gold Spittoon and the two 22-carat gold and ruby containers for pinang (areca palm) and gambir (uncaria) bear typical Islamic motifs that influenced Malay material culture.

The exhibition also gives an insight into the social life of the Bugis people and their rich history. On display are weaponry, former state stamps, flags, and the spear – one of the Bugis’ prized regalia.

A multimedia presentation of the Bugis wedding plus a life-sized bridal dais for photo opportunity.

The Soddang Karurung is part of the royal weaponry belonging to Opu Balirante or the State Minister of the Luwu Kingdom.

In conjunction with the exhibition, a lecture titled Have You Journeyed with the Bugis? by Professor John Miksic (NUS, Southeast Asian Programmes), will be held on 14 October 2006 at the Istana Hall.

Reproduced with permission from Malay Heritage Centre.