While there has been a research done on the Sam-sam people, there has yet to be a thorough one on their identity and influences on the Malay traditional art. Please provide or suggest articles if you find anything on this area. Much appreciated.
The Sam-Sam people, as an ethnic subgroup, hold a unique cultural identity that likely intertwines with the broader Malay traditional arts, though detailed studies on their specific contributions remain limited. Their geographic and cultural proximity to other Malay groups suggests potential influence in various forms of traditional art, such as textile motifs, wood carvings, and oral traditions. The intricate craftsmanship seen in Malay arts might have been shaped by the Sam-Sam people’s aesthetic values and techniques, especially through shared maritime trade and cultural exchanges.
While no comprehensive research solely addresses their impact, studies on Malay coastal communities and their cultural intersections provide a starting point. For example, Anthony Reid’s "Southeast Asia in the Age of Commerce" discusses cultural blending within maritime societies, which could offer indirect insights into the Sam-Sam’s role. Furthermore, their oral traditions and symbolic practices might parallel or enrich those found in Malay art forms, revealing shared heritage or localized adaptations.
To deepen understanding, exploring journals like the "Journal of Southeast Asian Studies" or conducting ethnographic fieldwork among the Sam-Sam people could uncover their untold influence on Malay traditional art. These efforts would not only highlight their unique contributions but also preserve and integrate their identity into the broader narrative of Southeast Asian cultural history.