自古以来，马来西亚原住民族之一的嘉昆族﹙Jakun﹚会使用普杜树﹙Pudu tree﹚的树皮制作传统服饰。
制作树皮服饰的过程漫长且耗费人力。首先需要将树皮浸泡在水中使其软化，然后连续捶打树皮数日使其形成类似织物的材料。这种天然织物被用于制作“cawat”，一种简便的缠腰布。此外，嘉昆人也会用树皮织物制成被毯，寒冷时可用来保暖。
如今，用树皮制成的传统服饰仍然具有重要的传统文化意义。嘉昆族人依然会在部落会议及聚会穿上树皮服饰，保留嘉昆族悠久的历史传承。
The Bark of the Pudu Tree
For generations, the Jakun people who are recognised as Orang Asli in Malaysia have utilised bark from the Pudu tree to create traditional clothing.
The production of the bark clothing is a lengthy and labour-intensive process. First, the bark is soaked in water to soften it, before beating it for several days until it forms a fabric-like material. This natural fabric is used to make “cawat”, a simple loincloth. The Jakun people also use bark fabric to make blankets, which provide warmth in cold weather.
Today, traditional shirts made from the bark of the Pudu tree continue to hold cultural significance. They are still featured during the tribal meetings and gatherings, preserving the heritage of the Jakun people.
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Illustrated by Rev. Fr. Anthony Naden
Factual description by Valerie Heng
Translated into Chinese by Michael Heng
