The Lion Dance Tamer Who Dared to Reform Tradition
In Bandar Pinggiran Subang, rattan strips, tools, and rows of lion heads crowd Master Siow Ho Phiew’s workshop. Known as Malaysia’s “Lion Fanatic,” he has spent decades reshaping the craft of lion head making. At 71, his journey reflects devotion and daring reform.
His fascination began in childhood, so strong he once missed his school bus just to watch a lion dance. By the 1970s, he was training with troupes in Klang. Yet his restless spirit pushed him beyond tradition. “Without reform, there is no progress,” he says. His bold cut shortened the lion’s back from twelve feet to seven — now the global standard.
In 1984, necessity drove him to craft his own lion heads. Self‑taught, he dismantled old frames, studied them for days, then rebuilt from memory. His innovations included replacing bamboo with lighter Malaysian rattan and experimenting with aluminium frames. Over time, his designs became instantly recognizable, setting benchmarks others would imitate. “Being copied is an honour,” he adds. “It means my work speaks for itself.”
Since founding Wan Seng Hang Dragon & Lion Arts in 1986, Siow has produced lion heads celebrated for their quality — often compared to luxury brands for their prestige. Beyond crafting, he has trained over 160 apprentices and thousands of students, ensuring the tradition endures. The essence of the craft lies in the Eight Virtues — loyalty, integrity, perseverance, courage, wisdom, sincerity, and propriety — values he believes every lion head must carry. For Siow, a lion head is more than equipment. It is heritage, courage, artistry — and in Malaysia, a symbol of unity. His story embodies the spirit of living crafts: rooted in tradition, yet unafraid to evolve.
Article by Siew Siok Peik
