On Pulau Carey, a man smiles while holding a unique mask crafted by his own hands. A. Samri Abdul Rahman is one of the Mah Meri carvers dedicated to preserving the traditional heritage of the Orang Asli community. The mask, with its large eyes and nipah palm-fibre hair, is more than just a work of art — it is a symbol of ancestral spirituality and culture.
The Mah Meri art of mask carving tells the stories of ancestral spirits and symbols of life. With intricate carvings and expressive faces, each mask depicts an age-old tale passed down orally and through the skilled hands of artisans like Samri. Natural materials like nyireh batu wood and nipah leaves are used, reflecting the comunity's close relationship with nature.
He employs a variety of both traditional and modern tools in his work. Chisels, mallets, carving knives, and files are among the 'companions' that shape and refine each piece. Some carvings require painstaking attention with small-bladed tools to create delicate patterns, especially on the faces of masks and symbolic statues.
Although some carvers have switched to using modern machinery, the Kuala Langat native remains devoted to the fine art of hand-carving to preserve the 'soul' in every piece.
Photojournalist Khairul Helmy carefully captured the process of creating traditional masks that remain the 'soul' of the Mah Meri tribe of the Orang Asli in Selangor.
Mah Meri Orang Asli wood carver A. Samri Abdul Rahman carries a log of nyireh batu to his workshop, a vital material for his craft, which requires high precision and durability, at Pulau Carey, Kuala Langat, on July 14, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
Mah Meri Orang Asli wood carver A. Samri Abdul Rahman care measures the log of nyireh batu at his workshop before preparing to ply his craft, at Pulau Carey, Kuala Langat, on July 14, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
Mah Meri Orang Asli wood carver A. Samri Abdul Rahman uses reference books on earlier examples of wood carvings before preparing to ply his craft, at at his workshop on Pulau Carey, Kuala Langat, on July 14, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
Mah Meri Orang Asli wood carver A. Samri Abdul Rahman uses a variety of traditional and modern hand tools to ply his craft, at his workshop on Pulau Carey, Kuala Langat, on July 14, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
Mah Meri Orang Asli wood carver A. Samri Abdul Rahman carefully crafts a small carving, to be made into a keychain, as part of efforts to introduce the community's artwork to a newer generation, at his workshop on Pulau Carey, Kuala Langat, on July 14, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
Mah Meri Orang Asli wood carver A. Samri Abdul Rahman carefully paints on a partially finished piece of artwork at his workshop on Pulau Carey, Kuala Langat, on July 14, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
The art piece 'Moyang Harimau Berantai' being carefully made by Mah Meri Orang Asli wood carver A. Samri Abdul Rahman at his workshop on Pulau Carey, Kuala Langat, on July 14, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
The art piece 'Moyang Harimau Berantai' being carefully made by Mah Meri Orang Asli wood carver A. Samri Abdul Rahman at his workshop on Pulau Carey, Kuala Langat, on July 14, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
The finished art piece 'Moyang Harimau Berantai' at the workshop of Mah Meri Orang Asli wood carver A. Samri Abdul Rahman on Pulau Carey, Kuala Langat, on July 14, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
Some of the finished art pieces made by Mah Meri Orang Asli wood carver A. Samri Abdul Rahman at his workshop on Pulau Carey, Kuala Langat, on July 14, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
