Understanding the Significant Woodcarving Motifs of the Traditional Timber Royal Palace Panels

Royal sovereignty is a social acceptance between the commoners and rulers that develops the mutual social status hierarchy. The effect of this understanding is presented among the traditional wood carvers, whereby only the chosen one will be honored to become the wood carver for the royal buildings. It is essential to identify the culture that has been inherited to select the royal wood carver and the customary aspect of sovereignty that prohibits the commoners from applying the selection of wood carving designs to their houses. This study will examine the intricacy of the significant woodcarving motifs in traditional timber royal palaces. The methodology selected to achieve the study's objective was qualitative research. The research tools consisted of interviews with the targeted master craftsmen, a review of data collection and measured drawings, and the precedent study. This study focused on a traditional timber palace, namely Istana Balai Besar, Kelantan, and Istana Tengku Long, Terengganu. The findings show that the elements of the wood carvings applied in both palaces were dedicated to the Ruler during the era and were incomparable to the commoners’ houses. The calligraphy motifs of Quranic verses, mixed motifs of flora and fauna, and the intricate 3D incisions of the timber panels are the superior designs of this palace's wood carving ornamentation. Thus, the Ruler's sovereignty controlled the custom, including the elements of an aesthetic of the building during the era indirectly, to show the social status between the Ruler and the ruled persons. The study's implication is the enhanced understanding of mutual acceptance of the sovereignty concept in social life among the wood carvers, which indirectly regulates the wood carving ornamentation at the palace and the house. This study also exposes the beauty of the traditional royal palaces with intricate wood carving motifs that contribute to the local heritage identity and vital landmarks for tourism.