Keeping Abreast of Native Culture

Today's posting allows us to examine the (sadly) disappearing Iban native culture of the Sarawak longhouses. A few of our friends experienced some of this in their Skrang expedition three decades ago. Today, even photographs like these are getting hard to find, so many thanks to Nick C for hunting them down recently in Kuching.

Perhaps a word of caution to parents that some of the following pictures may be not be very suitable for youngsters below 18. The likely truth is they will be disappointed, as thru the wonders of the Internet, our young generation is already exposed to much hotter stuff than what these photographs portray ... ha ha ha! Still as Website Jaga, I must do my part in at least giving due warning.

Here we see a native maiden weaving a cloth with intricate designs. I've learnt thru this blog that one type of traditional tribal textile woven in longhouses of Borneo is called the "Pua Kumbu". These can have great value, playing an important role in tribal culture. The patterns reflect the cultural background of the Ibans, and also incorporate various environmental influences. It is said that even dreams have an impact in the creation of pua kumbu. Each unique pua design is created from many individual motifs whose meanings are combined to produce patterns and stories of ritual and spiritual power. Traditionally, it is believed that the weaving goddess Kumang gives the designs and patterns to the weaver through dreams. Typically lots of symbolic elements are included in the design. Many are woven to play a specific role in celebrations and ritual ceremonies. Master weavers were held in high esteem and only they were allowed to use certain powerful motifs.

The next photo shows an Iban maiden with a basket. If I'm not mistaken, she is de-husking uncooked rice, i.e. seperating the husk from the rice by tossing it up in the air and letting the wind carry off the much lighter husks. If anyone reading this is better versed in agricultural methods, please comment as that's about all I know.

This third photo shows a native ceremony during Gawai, the Iban new year celebrated in Sarawak on 1st June each year. My memories of Gawai are of visiting friends and enjoying many local Dayak delicacies washed down with copious amounts of Tuak.

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So there you go - some tit bits on the disappearing local Sarawak Iban cultural scene.

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A Skrang Expedition ... 33 years ago

I received this great "photo essay" from our friend Robert Chin (Form 5 Arts2, 1976), describing an interesting expedition he and other buddies made during those boyhood days of the mid 70s ... here's the story as told by Robert (with WJ applying a wee bit of creative license :-)
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One fine evening, thirty-three years ago, Bob Chew, Philip Hii, Mark Chin and I sat down to think of something adventurous to do.

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Yeah… we decided to make a trip to Skrang to see and experience life in a longhouse. Our history lessons had taught us that the inner reaches of Sarawak were once the home of notorious pirates and headhunters …

We got hold of an Iban friend (as tour guide) , boarded a bus (STC) from Kuching and headed to a place called Entaban. From there, we continued by motorized longboat down the Skrang river, occasionally “shooting the rapids”.

We spent two nights at Murat or more precisely at Rumah Basing longhouse, Nanga Murat.

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From left: Tour Guide, Robert Chin, Philip Hii, Mark Chin

xx From Left: Tour Guide, Philip Hii, Bob Chew, Mark Chin
(Bob obviously attracted by something amazing)

Here we had our first-hand experience of the customs and traditions of the Dayak Ibans.

Brave warriors RC & BC, in ngajat headgear, ready to do battle ...

MC and PH getting also ready for ngajat dance

The highlight of the evenings was fun and entertainment by the longhouse residents (young and old) performing traditional dances and music.

We also saw many residents at work.

PH with his hunting dog and Granny busy with her weaving

Bob trying to concentrate on the weaving

BC helping mum with the padi pounding

We had chankok manis (“money cai”) & monkey for dinner, washed down with

“Chap Ah Pek” wine.