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About Iban

Iban is a tribe fromSarawakin East Malaysia. They were known as Sea Dayak, as opposed totheBidayuhgroup that was known as the Land Dayak.

The Iban forms the majority among the ethnic groups of Sarawak. In the old days, they were themuch-feared headhunters and sea pirates that in times of peace, were hunters, farmers and

gatherers. The practice of headhunter was for the indigenous tribes a means for the survival of

the fittest. The bloody headhunting raids staged by the Ibans forced many minor tribes such asthe Seru and the Bliun to extinction, while other tribes like the Saribas and Ukits were

decimated.

Before the 15th century, the Ibans were said to be living in what is today Kalimantan, Indonesia.When they started moving into present-day Sarawak in the 15th century, they were establishing

forest settlements in land belonging to the Sultanate ofBrunei, at that time an influential regional

power. Warfare soon erupted when the local Iban leaders resisted paying tax to the sultans of

Brunei. This was to continue over the centuries, and during that time, the might of the Bruneisultanate began to wane until 1841, when the unceasing warfare provided James Brooke, an

English adventurer the opportunity to intervene. After putting down aBidayuhuprising, Brooke

threatened the Sultan of Brunei with military force, compelling the sultan to make him the Rajahof Sarawak, and receiving a chunk of Brunei which became Sarawak.

Festivals

The most important festival of the Ibans is theGawai Dayakcelebrated on 1 June. Other notable

festivals include Gawai Burong and Gawai Antu.

Performing Art

The most popular traditional dance of the Iban is theNgajat, traditionally performed by Ibanwarriors upon their return from successful raids. It is now performed to tourists at theSarawak

Cultural Village.

The music of the Iban are usually percussion based. In other words, their musical ensemble

comprises mostly of different types ofgongs, especially a set of suspended gongs calledagung.

Handicrafts

Pua Kumbuis an Iban textile made of cotton and woven with intricate designs.

Food

The most popular form of traditional Iban food is called Pansuh. These are foods cooked inbamboo stem. Among the ingredients can be meat, fish, vegetables or rice. Chicken pansoh, or

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pansoh manok, is chicken and lemongrass cooked in bamboo over an open fire. Forest greens

such as ferns orpucuk paku are also popular items.

Beverage

The Ibans have an alcoholic beverage called tuak, which is usually made by fermenting anddistilling rice. Sugar cane, ginger and corn are also used for making tuak.

Iban Common Phrases

Here are some phrases in Iban that may be helpful for you to break the ice when visiting

Sarawak:

Good morning: Salamat pagi Good afternoon: Saalamat tengah hari Good night: Salamat malam Goodbye: Salamat tinggal Thank you: Terima kasih How are you? Gerai nuan? Pleased to meet you: Rindu amat betemu enggau nuan. See you again: Arap ke betemu baru. What is your name? Sapa nama nuan? Can I take your photograph? Tau aku ngambil gambar nuan? I aku you nuan good manah not good jai also enda manah

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Iban Warrior, Sarawak Cultural Village (2 October 2004)

Timothy Tyeusing this photo

Interior of the Iban longhouse, Sarawak Cultural Village (2 October 2004)

Timothy Tyeusing this photo

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Interior of the Iban longhouse, Sarawak Cultural Village (2 October 2004)

http://www.asiaexplorers.com/malaysia/iban.htm-dimuaturunpd 31/3/2012-9.24pm

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