Our Orang Asal guide proudly showing off his Keruing torch
It was an amazing experience watching an Orang Asal makes a jungle torch using the resin of a Keruing tree. The Semelais may have relied on this jungle torch for hundreds of years to ensure their safety and comfort during the nights of the rainforest jungle. Watching him take his time making the torch makes me wonder how long this jungle skill will continue to be practice among his people.
Continue reading Making a traditional jungle torch from Keruing tree oil
Part of the Keruing extraction process
Traditional extraction of the resin from the Keruing tree is a rare sight there days. Keruing (Dipterocarpus kerrii) is an important tree to many cultures because of its many uses resin. The Keruing name is used by the Semelais of Peninsula Malaysia. It is known as Eng in Burma, Apitong in the Phillipines and Yang among the Thais.
The Keruing oil has many applications. In the olden days, it is used to make a light torch, as sealants for making musical instruments, caulking boats and as a varnish (see pic below). Orang Asli has also been known to use the oils for medicinal purposes and the more recent application is in perfume making.
Continue reading Traditional Keruing tree resin extraction by the Orang Asal of Malaysia
