Page 20 - FINDING AIDS CCARE

There 99 pillars that buttressed the palace repreent the 99 juak-juak hulubalang
The design of the palace is very interesting indeed. It has four floors with each
(warriors) of the clans in Negeri Sembilan. According to history, the warriors held a
floor having special rooms. The first floor of the palace situates four rooms and a
pillar each during the construction of the palace. The four central pillars, on the other
160-foot long verandah. Meanwhile, the second floor has three rooms for the royal
hand, signify the four palace chieftains (Orang Empat Istana).
family. The third and fourth floors locate a room each. The third of the palace was

reserved for Yamtuan Muhammad’s private rooms. The fourth floor served as the
The palace is also elevated at the wings and front with the central part consisting of the
royal treasure repository.
three spilt-levels. Part of the palace are also embellished with interesting and high

quality carvings. The carvings of the various motifs reflect the skills of the Malays
According to Datuk Besar Meon, no iron nails were used in the construction of the
,
palace. It was of wood from the polo up to the roof with the structures held craftmen in drawing inspiration from nature. They also signify the richness of the Malay
together culture.

The palace has columns measuring 19.9 metres (65 feet) high with four central Among the carbing designs found in the palace are wave-like forms, drifting clouds,

pillars measuring 51.8 metres (170 feet) in height, as one straight piece. The mangosteen hilus, semanting flower, mountains and others. This shows a strong
columns are established with intricate carvings and motifs. influmce of nature in the carving of the Malay craftmen and demonstrates their

sensitivity towards the surroundings. Every pice of carving inside the palace hall and
These four continuous central pillars of the palace were made of Penak wood. balcony reflects the richness of the Malay ethnics and fine courtesy in the old days.
The wood was sourced from Bukit Pergai in Jelebu and transported to Seri

Menanti by bullock carts. Three bullock carts were required to transport each of

the 170-foot pillars.

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