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ASEAN Ways of Life: its diversity and unity

The ten ASEAN countries are multiethnic, multireligious, multilingual, and multicultural societies that continuously connected with outside civilizations that embraced diverse religions and cultures while preserving their own traditions.

This permanent exhibition of the ASEAN Culture House displays the unique cultures of each country through its handicrafts made from their own indigenous materials.

The exhibition consists of handicrafts donated by the ten ASEAN countries. These include wooden crafts made from bamboo, rattan, and palm trees; clothing made from fibers extracted from fruits such as pineapple and coconut; marine handicrafts made from mother-of-pearl; metal crafts produced with mineral resources; and textiles made from natural dyes and threads from indigenous plants.

By perusing the displayed crafts such as dishes and baskets to hold food or objects used in religious ceremonies or cultural performances, one may catch a glimpse of the indigenous culture, religious beliefs, and daily life of the ASEAN people.

Although the same natural materials are often used by different cultures – due to the similarities in geography and environment – designs, colors, and patterns vary from artisan to artisan. Craft making has become a way of life and a tradition that connects generations. The crafts displayed are not just tools, but the beautiful manifestations of tradition and art reflected in life.

Through this exhibit, we hope to enhance your understanding of the aesthetics of deliberateness portrayed in the elaborate and delicate handicrafts crafted over long periods of time by the ASEAN people. In addition, we hope to promote respect for cultural values that cherish the artistic sense and tradition of the ASEAN people which can never be imitated by machines.