Crafts & Some Interesting Thing to See
Crafts & Some Interesting Thing to See
The Iban are
renowned for their craftsmanship. A visit to a longhouse is a visit to a
gallery with exhibits ranging from antique brass work, exquisite woven
fabrics, carving of tropical hardwoods, ceramics, rattan weaving and
basketry. Curios of a unique Sarawak style, culture and craftsmanship can
be bought in the souvenir shop and marketplace around Sarawak.
Ceramics
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Figure 1: Tajau lama
The Iban yester-years treasured heirlooms that could be handed from one generation to another. Hence they collected some antique brass wares or earthen Chinese jars when they traveled to far off places and in later years bought them from local Chinese shops. Among the most priced items are: Tajau lama- Old Chinese earthen jar with various designs and sizes.
Brass wares
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Figure 2: A Gong (biggest) Setawak and Bebendai (smallest)
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Figure 3: Engkerumong- a set of eight small gongs
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Figure 5: Baku- an oblong container for putting areca nuts, betel and etc.
Handicrafts
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Figure 6: Sumpit
Sumpit is a blow pipe used during the head-hunting days to kill an enemy with a dart (laja) often with poisonous (ipoh) tip blow from it. It may be used to kill domestic game.
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Figure 7:
Terabai
Terabai is a shield used to protect one's body from being slashed by an enemy during the head-hunting days.
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Figure 8: Nyabor (a special kind of knife used during the head-hunting days), Pedang (a sword) and Ilang (a special kind of knife used during the head-hunting days)
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Figure
9:
Pua Kumbu
Pua Kumbu is a traditional Iban blanket or coverlet. The motifs represent some Iban cultural and traditional beliefs. The pua is often used as a decorative backdrop of any Iban festive rite or Gawai.
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Figure 10: Labong- A turban and used by Ibans (man) on festive occasions.
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Figure 11: Temilah- a container for blow-pipe darts (laja).
Weaving and basketry
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Figure 12: Tikai- a mat weaved either from certain kind of water reed (bemban) or rattan (rotan).
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Figure 13: Baka- a bag usually weaved from rattan.
Dances
The Iban have some popular dances;
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Ngajat- a warrior dance
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Ngajat indu
Bepencha- sword dance.
Kuntau- self defence.
Renong- a chant often taking hours sung by a man, telling a story or folklore.
Pantun- a song sung either by a young man or woman often flattering one another.