Yesterday, we had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful woman named Berty, who visited our shop with a very special piece of art. She brought us a clove art betjak (bicycle) taken home by her parents during one of their many trips to the Moluccan Islands. Her parents would travel from one Moluccan island to another, bringing back special souvenirs to treasure forever.
The Moluccan Islands have long been a source of historical importance, and are also known as the Spice Islands. These small yet powerful islands are the birthplace of spices like cloves and nutmeg, which were once 'traded' (taken) at great value across the world.
Berty's parents returned each time from these tropical voyages with unique memories, one of which has now found a home in our shop—a precious piece of their family history.
The Art of Clove: Perahu Tjenkeh
Perahu tjenkeh—which translates to "clove ship"—is a unique form of traditional Moluccan art made from dried clove buds, a spice native to the islands. This art form combines the centuries-old legacy of the Moluccas as the world’s most important clove producer with an artistic interpretation of their maritime culture.
Ships have played a vital role in the region’s history. For centuries, European explorers sought control of the clove and spice trade routes, leading to major cultural exchanges, colonization, and even conflict.
A New Home for a Beautiful Betjak
Berty’s betjak has found its rightful place among our other clove art ships and the carefully curated spices from the Moluccas that we proudly display in our shop. Each piece of clove art we have—from Berty’s betjak to the magnificent ships from Manisé Import —carries with it a story of heritage, travel, and personal connection.
Thank You, Berty!
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Berty for entrusting us with this special piece of her family’s history. It will be cherished and admired by everyone who visits our shop!
If you’re ever in the area, we invite you to come by and see our collection of perahu tjenkehs and experience the beauty of Moluccan clove art firsthand.
You can also explore our wide range of spices from the islands—each one carrying with it the rich, aromatic legacy of the Spice Islands.
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