Iban In Sarawak

1.0 Definition and Concept

Iban is the most largest and famous ethnic group in Sarawak. The Iban number
approximately 700,000 and form 30% of the states population. Also known as the Iban
Dayak Laut or Sea Dayak lied in all regions in Sarawak. The Iban is also considered a
Head Cutter in their community following the ancient practice of the Iban its ngayau
tradition or cutting head. (Chemaline Usop, 2006:1)
The Iban is also known as a society that always moved around or moving from one
place to another place to find food and a new life.
Iban also mean wanderer . For centuries they have moved through the hills of
Borneo, farming dry rice, gathering,hunting and fishing, expanding in territority as well
as numbers. During the century they moved into the delta plains of the Rejang and other
river valleys, where they now grow wet rice, rubber, pepper and work for wages.
( Vinson H. Sutlive ,2001: 2)
2.0 Iban Lifestyle Aspects
The Iban way of life can be seen in terms of life strong they are with each other
where they live together with the Iban community in Long house. Organizational
structure in the Long house lead by Tuai Rumah and followed by some people who will
help him in handling administrative matters in the Long house. Tuai Rumah will be
responsible in Long houses law and also handles customs in the Long house.
2.1 Economy Aspect
While in economic aspect, the Iban in Sarawak is still strong with their traditions to
depend on subsistence agricultural activities personally. This tradition still remains same
until this day. Paddy will be plant every once in a year where that is after the end of June
or one month of Iban who considers June as a month beginning in their calendar. Paddy
will be harvest in Febuary. On the 1 st day of June, Gawai Dayak celebration will be held
as a celebration to the spirit of the paddy who had gave sustenance to them. Rice paddy is
cultivated and overall activity is still using traditional tools such as axes, machetes and
other tradititional tools. Therefore, the Iban loves to make activities like gotong-royong
where they believes that activities would be quick and easy.
Besides from paddy cultivating, Iban in Sarawak also grow peppers. Peppers are
grown as a source of income for the family life and to support their children. Usually
grown peppers are also using traditional methods. Although the price of pepper in the
market is not permanent but Iban had no other option because considering the structure of
their place in Sarawak are more high landed. Other than planting pepper where originally
brought by the foreigners who come to this state around 18th century, Iban in Sarawak is

still working on rubber cultivation as well as other crops. In addition, the Iban in Sarawak
also do activity likes hunting and fishing to support their life. The would hunt animals
such as deer, Lemur and many more.
2.2 Social Aspects
From the social aspect, the Iban is reowned for its practice in Long house. Now, the
practice of living in community at the Long house still exists. Ibans long house was so
emphasized in the spirit of cooperation. In any job, the Iban community prefer to do
gotong-royong instead do the work alone. Pratices in gotong-royong or also known as
bederuk often do when season planting and also rice harvest.
In addition, in their daily interactions, Iban practices between men and women is not
blocked according to ngayap customs. Ngayap is the acient practice where the boys will
try to lure and get acquainted and also their respective feelings. Although, this tradition is
allowed but it must be done with manners and also based on tradition and also hold the
Iban community pf life itself.
According to custom, the boys can visit the girls not exceeding three nights in a row.
If continuous visits, parent of the girl has the right to determine and ask whether the boys
is serious in its efforts to lure the girl. If between them they are serious, they will be
married. Nowadays, the tradition and practice of Ngayap is no longer practice. The boys
and girls will just meet in gathering, during the festivals and so on. Therefore, if there is a
breach of manners and the intervention of other races, then legal action will be taken as
stated in section 132 Custom Iban, 1993.
In terms of celebrating the feast, the Iban is strongly on satisfaction as well as the
relationship between them. They also like other ethnic groups that feed their guests who
came to their home. Guests may also be sent home if necessary. In addition, guests who
want to return home will also be supplied with souvenir that showing the landlord was
happy to accept their presence.
2.3 Political Aspects ( Administration In Long house)
In the political aspect, the Iban lifestyle emphasize on obedience to the Tuai Rumah
or village head in an organization in a Long House. In this case, the head of the the house
in a Long house will appoint some members of the Committee to work under him. The
role of the head of the long house not only on bureaucracy nor the administration alone
but even he also responsible for managing custom and also the laws of the Long house.
Members of the Committee who helped the head house will worked on managed the
houses such as treasurer, secretary, committee and etc. But currently, the Iban living in
modernization in their Long house. Even 60 percent of the Iban Long house is a modern
structure where built by brick and modern in its structure.

Furthermore, the administrative structure already has changed. Even a leader in the
Long house also must be the one who received education and not illiterate like before.
This is because, the Chief role and deal with the Government to ask any facilities from
the Government. Hence, the need for leadership attitude under any circumstances.
3.0 Ibans Attire
The Iban community famous for its way of dressing or also referred to Iban ngepan.
The Iban attire is very unique and is still practiced in the present time especially during
the season of parties, specific function and also during festive seasons namely Hari
Gawai. However, in the daily days they will wear the normal cloth like other
communities. In ancient time, clothing for men and women in the Iban is far different.
While for the ornament, Iban using a variety of jewelry such as marik ampang, sugu
tinggi and etc.this jewelry is made of metals like tin and silver with artificially was so
beautiful.
3.1 Men Attire
Iban men famous with lanjang or hats decorated with feathers like peacocks or ruai.
Men are also made tatto carved on their bodies. This practice still practiced up to now in
this era because it reflects the art of Iban are very unique and interesting. Sculpturescarvings which are often carved on their body is like carving bungai terong, wild animals
and etc. In addition, the practice of ear piercing is also synonymous with the Iban
community. Regardless of male or female. However, the practice is now no longer
practiced but only womens ear piercing to put the subang as a decoration.
In ancient time, mens also wear Sirat. Sirat is a pice of fabric cloth measuring 50m x
50cm. At the end of this fabric will be embroidery or woven decorated. Beads and shells
are sometimes used as a decoration. The Sirat will be coil around his waist and crotch.
The end of the sirat will be release from the waist to the front and back of the body to
show off decorative parts.
Menswear that make as a shirt is known as bird shirts. Bird shirt was a sort of woven
fabric that has a pattern of birds and the decoration on the shirts making it very beautiful.
The way the application of the bird shirt was worn as a regular clothes just it uncovered
and reveal the chest. Bird shirts worn without the sleeves looks simple but interesting.
The bird shirts is still wear by the men but its application only on certain days as the
festive season.
3.2 Women Attire
Womens traditional clothing is very unique and its woven fabric has attractive
pattern. Iban womens clothing can be seen from the head until the feet. Head part are
decorated with sugu tinggi which made of in metal and look beautiful when Iban women
use it. Part of the shoulder will be decorated with marik ampang which is made of a lot
of beads and will be arrange to attractive pattern. Part of the belt will be coil with ngepan

made of tin and it seems like the coins arranged hang-drop. At part of legs also have
beautifull jewelry and bracelet will be placed and produce sounds that can attract the
attention of those who hear it.
Womens clothing made to shirt named selayah (bedong) which is a type of woven
cloth and will be coil around chest and its long. While kain sarong worn until knee
level. The kain sarong fabric woven with pattern of colorful stripe. And some of the
fabric will be decorated with pattern with threads of gold and silver.
3.3 Pua Kumbu
Pua Kumbu is the most prominent weaving icon for Iban. Pua Kumbu is said to have
the power and serve as important ingredients in ceremonies such as medicine, gawai and
etc. Pua Kumbu are usually made from threads that are woven with variety of motifs or
pattern that is very unique and interesting. When using it, it should be in horizontally. Pua
Kumbu is used also in weddings and serve as Mahar. Nowadays, the use of the Pua
Kumbu is as decorative and very unique handicrafts for the Iban community.
4.0 Craft and Skills
Iban community knowlede is rich in handicraft or referred to pengelandik fingers.
Therefore, a variety of handicrafts produced by artwork and patterns and motifs with
symbolize the Iban identity itself. Among the handicrafts produced by Iban in Sarawak
mats, baskets, vases and so on with very beautiful designed.
In a Long house, it is very annoying if a women especially do not know how to
produce an handicraft. At least, they must know how to weaving mats or rattan. Before
the woman wants to get married, they will prepared themselves with the skills to produce
handicrafts such as woven and weave. This is because handicraft produced by them will
be able to win the hearts of the family-in-law. Handicrafts produced by Iban are diverse
and have a variety of uses.
Others handicrafts produced is like vases and jars are also made of clay and finally
become a pottery that producing various forms of creative in carving including distinctive
patterns. These jars are used to store rice, perkasam and preserved foods. There is aso the
jars are made to keep the fermented rice or palm wine (tuak) is a type of drinks to the
Iban during festive seasons. At present, handicrafts made from Iban still well-received
because of the originality and its own unique. Among the crafts that is so famous is
tatami mats and woven fabrics.
5.0 Dancing
The Iban has a very interesting and unique dance. Among the Ibans dance that is popular
called as Ngajat. The ngajat dance originated from the Iban community and has been
passed down from generation to generation. The origin of this indigenous Iban dance is
not clearly known but it is believed to have been in existence along with the Iban tribe

since the 16th Century. The Ngajat dance is believed to have been performed by warriors
on their return from battles. This dance is now performed to celebrate the most important
harvest festival, Gawai Dayak, to welcome important guests to the longhouses and so on.
Among the types of Ngajat dance that is still practices are:
Ngajat Lesong
Ngajat Bebunoh
Ngajat Pua Kumbu
Ngajat Indu
While this dance is danced, the drums will be sounded and dancers will dance according
to the beating of the drums.
6.0 Music
Iban musical instrument is based on gongs and drums. For example, dumbak drums,
a bendai gong, a set of seven small gongs (engkerumong) and a large tawak gong. The
people of the longhouse have been skilled in playing all kinds of gendang music. The
important music performed by the Iban is called gendang rayah. It is played only for
religious festivals.
Iban men enjoy the music of the following instruments:
Engkerurai(bagpipe)
Kesuling(flute)
Ruding (Jew's harp)
Rebab (guitar with two strings)
Balikan (guitar with 3 strings)
Belula (violin)
Engkeratong (harp)
Last but not least, is the music played using the katebong drums by one or up to
eleven drummers. These drums are long. Its cylinder is made from strong wood, such as
tapang or mengeris, and one of its ends is covered with the skins of monkeys and
mousedeer or the skin of a monitor lizard.
7.0 Traditional Food
The Iban traditional foods are called Pansuh food, which simply means the cooking
of food or dish in a bamboo stem. Its naturally clean, easy and simple. The food can be
made from meat, chicken, fish, vegetables and even rice together with the spices will all
be put together into the bamboo stem. Then directly placed over an open fire to be
cooked. The uniqueness of using the bamboo stem to cook is that the bamboo will give a
special aroma and texture to the food. One of the best known Iban dishes is pansoh
manok (ayam pansuh), which features chicken and lemongrass cooked in a bamboo log
over an open fire.

A guests who visit the Long house will be welcomed with a glass of tuak, a homebrewed rice wine. The brew has a sweet fragrance and is highly alcoholic. There are sago
grubs, bamboo clams and temilok (marine worms). The bright yellow, round eggplants
and turmeric flowers are also found in Iban foods too.
8.0 Religion
The Ibans were traditionally animist. But now, the majority of Ibans are Christian,
some of them are Muslim and many continue to observe both. For the majority of Ibans
who are not Christians, some Chrisitian festivals such as Christmas, Good Friday, Easter,
and other Christian festivals are also celebrated.
Despite the difference in faiths, Ibans of different faiths do help each other during
Gawai and Christmas. Differences in faith is never a problem in the Iban community. The
Ibans believe in helping and having fun together.
Bibliography
A. Books
Derek Freeman (1996). Report Of The Iban. Kuala Lumpur: Penerbitan Universiti
Malaya.
Vinson H. Sultive(1996). The Iban Of Sarawak. Kuala Lumpur: Penerbitan Universiti
Malaya.
B. Internet Sources
Http://www.malaysia.pnm.my
Http://www.sarawakupdate.com.my
C. Article on The Newspaper
Sopi Samaili(2009). Ratu Meriahkan Pesta Menuai. Kuala Lumpur. Utusan Publication.

Musical instrument
Traditional clothes