The term ‘Orang Asli’ was introduced to the Malay language in the ‘1950’s refers to the various peoples living in small groups in the Malay Peninsula, especially in the land or the jungle fringes. They are considered ‘primitive’ because of the elements of mystery and obscurity associated with their presence and origin cupled with the aspects of magic and ritual.

When closely examined this is a fallacy. They may be behind in modern technology and poor but their art and culture are centuries old and are characterized by a life that is unique. Interpendent and in harmony with nature.

The are comfortable living in the hinterland without having to depend on trade with the outside world and the same time are able to preserve their livestyle and culture. They do not have health problem which other people have to face. They live free from influence of politics, which the modern society has to deal with.

The population of Orang Asli stands at 149,723 (source from Buku Data Maklumat Asas, Jabatan Hal Ehwal Orang Asli, terbitan 2004) consisting of 18 ethnic groups. They are Negritos, Senoi and Proto Malays, each charactized by its own uniqueness. But such a classification today is not accurate and is of no significance. Over the centuries there have been via trade. Marriage of contact as a result of rural development.

Negritos will only marry Negritos from other village but nowdays this is not a way of live anymore nor is at a thing that must be adhered to. They practise a more independent lifestyle and prefer to choose their own life partners. Now they can marry any other Orang Asli from other groups. Many of them marry Chinese and some of them marry Malays. In view of this they cannot be divided into groups anymore as their representation is question able. New infoemation acquired through the implementation of development programmers have changes their lifestyle and placed them on a new perspective.

Thus, the terms ‘primitive’, ‘backward’ or ‘having negative values’ and ‘anti development’ do not applied anymore. Today, there are quite a number of them studying in centers of higher learning. They are others who are successful in the business field and are executives in the government and private sector.

Since the end of the Second World War, Orang Asli have played an important role in politics i.e. to combat communist ideology and its military. The Department Of Aboriginal Affairs (Jabatan Hal Ehwal Orang Asli) which was established by the British Administration as soon as the war ended aims at supervising the Country’s Security. Thus began a new life for the Orang Asli with the introduction of foreign ideologies, with they found difficult to understand, much less to compromise.

Being intelligent people with the capacity to think, the Orang Asli have adapted well to change and the new enviroment for the benefit of their people, whilst able to maintain their lifestyle from outside influence.

In the face of influences and future challenges the Orang Asli are aware that they would have to preserve their own identity within the context of Malaysian Society. Many amongst are relizing the need to preserve their unique traditions, art, music and other aspects of their culture.

Although much of the elements in their culture have been lost and forgotten through the years, there are still enough left behind to study and promote. As a tradition, it is best to study these elements in order to understand the underlying aspects of its creation and practice.

What lies behind the spirit and creativity of Orang Asli art and culture? The exhibition aims at answering some questions of this nature.