Spiritual Activity In The House
Use of Interior Space In Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman (Routine in the House)
The diagram above shows some common activities in the Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman. Spaces in the Malay house are multifunctional. Basically, the house has three main sections — the Balai (hall), Rumah Ibu (mother’s house) and the Dapur (kitchen). Each one of these was developed at different times.
The Balai (hall)
Serves as a place like an office where people can come to see Penghulu Abu Seman to resolve any domestic matters.
Rumah Ibu (Mother House)
The larger area in the house. A place where most guests are entertained and most activities are conducted here.
Dapur (Kitchen)
Situated at the back of the house.Is the place where the women prepared the food, cooking, eating and washing. The womenfolk also often group here to chat.
Other areas...
Bedroom
Only two bedrooms are available in Rumah Penghulu. They are for the wives of Abu Seman.
In one of the bedrooms, there is a hidden attic. To enter this attic, one has to climb up the small stairs attached on the wall.
This house is built on stilts with the area below the house used as a gathering or working place. Rumah Ibu is the main and first part of the house to be built. It is said that usually the Rumah Ibu will be built facing west ie the Qiblat, the direction Muslim faced when they pray.
The place where the guests are entertained here. It is also a favourite place for the house occupants to rest, chat and watch the goings-on and passers-by in the village.
Rumah Tengah
Dining Area
A place where the family members will gather and have their daily meal together.
Use Of Interior Space In The Traditional Malay House
