THE tepak sirih, a copper container for storing betel leaves for chewing, remains a symbol of Malay tradition and plays a significant role during auspicious occasions such as engagements and weddings.

According to SA Unique Craft manager Shaiful Sani Zakaria, orders for their tepak sirih tended to increase during school holidays.

“We are very busy during the school holidays because many engagement and wedding ceremonies are held during this period.

Tepak sirih sets are priced according to the intricacy of their designs.

“Customers prefer to use copper tepak sirih as it looks more exclusive and has a polished glow,” he said at his copper workshop at the Terengganu branch of Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation in Chendering.

Shaiful said his workshop could only produce up to 10 sets of copper tepak sirih a week due to a shortage of skilled artisans and raw materials, as well as challenges in sourcing copper currently.

“The tepak sirih has little receptacles known as kacip and cembul to hold the assortment of ingredients that are usually chewed with the betel leaves and areca nut.

“The whole set is placed in front of the parties representing the prospective bride and groom while they discuss wedding arrangements,” he said.

Shaiful, who has only one assistant in the workshop, said the two most common orders were the rectangle and round tepak sirih, which are priced according to the intricacy of their designs.

“The rectangular ones can be as low as RM280, but the round ones are more intricate and start at RM380,” he said.

His customers would also order candelabra, bunga telur door gifts and rose water sprinklers for traditional Malay wedding ceremonies.

He said most individuals who got into the craft of making the copper container did not last long because the process of making it involved very high heat and soot.

“The copper sold at scrap metal yards is also very expensive but sometimes we get cheaper prices as registered Handicraft Corporation copper artisans,” he said.

Shaiful also participates in handicraft festivals all over Malaysia to expand his business and all his stock at these events usually sells out.

Apart from tepak sirih, he also makes copper pots and pans as well as kitchen utensils. He accepts orders for souvenirs too, such as dagger replicas and traditional musical instruments. — Bernama