CLOGS MAKER
The Craftsman's Story
Madam Yeow, a second-generation clog maker in Ipoh, runs a small shop on the second floor of Pasar Besar Ipoh. She inherited the trade from her mother-in-law, continuing a 50-year family tradition. Her late father-in-law was once Ipoh's largest clog producer, making 300 to 400 pairs a month. However, due to a lack of interest from the next generation, the business scaled down and is now solely maintained by Madam Yeow.
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As machines began to replace traditional handmade processes, Madam Yeow adapted by buying ready-made clog bases while still finishing the rest by hand in her shop. Despite the shift, she ensures the original process remains unchanged. In the past, she painted simple floral designs on the clogs, but now there are fewer wearers. Younger generations see clogs as old-fashioned, and it's rare for them to show interest unless introduced by older family members.
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The demand for clogs has drastically decreased, with modern slippers taking over. Madam Yeow reminisces about the past when she received orders for 200 to 300 pairs a day.
Today, she's lucky to sell 2 or 3 pairs. To sustain her business, she also sells brooms and stools. Despite the challenges, she supplies clogs to places like Kuala Lumpur and Pulau Pangkor to earn extra income.
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When asked about passing on the business, Madam Yeow doubts its viability due to low sales. She recalls selling clogs for RM1 per pair 30 years ago, whereas now they cost RM9.50 or more, depending on the design. Rising material costs and degrading quality further complicate the business's sustainability. Modern homes with ceramic tile flooring make clogs less practical as they can scratch the floors, reducing demand even more.
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Despite the difficulties, Madam Yeow feels blessed to continue making and supplying clogs at over 70 years old. She finds joy in her work and values the time spent with friends. She believes that the decline of this craftsmanship is not something to mourn but accepts it as a part of life.
Clog Making Process
Clogs, known as Chinese Wooden Clogs, have been basic, unisex footwear. They were commonly worn outdoors decades ago. Madam Yeow, a clog maker in Ipoh, recalls her mother-in-law wearing clogs to restaurants 40-50 years ago. Over time, clogs with larger bases became popular for kitchen and garden use due to their ability to keep feet dry and avoid oily, slippery floors. Clogs have no distinct left or right sides and can be worn interchangeably. The bases come in simple designs, with or without curves, and in different sizes, while the strap is fitted by sight.
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Traditionally, clogs were painted in various colors with floral designs. Black clogs were favored by Ma Jie (maidservant), and red clogs were used in weddings. The bases are made from durable tree trunks, a material choice that has remained unchanged due to its durability. Initially, axes were used to shape the bases, but this process is now done by machines.
Despite mass production, handmade clogs still feature detailed finishing touches like sanding, planing, painting, and nailing the base and strap.
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For over 50 years, atomic leather cloth imported from Hong Kong was used for clog straps, especially in black, favored by Ma Jie. These straps often featured floral patterns. Later, the atomic leather cloth was replaced by atomic cloth from tires, but it was unsafe for feet and hard to extract, so plastic straps became the norm. Traditional clogs were more colorful and decorative compared to modern ones. Madam Yeow notes that clogs are rare today because they make a loud clunking sound on modern ceramic tiles.
