ARTS AND CULTURE INFORMATION GATEWAY
Immerse yourself in the colorful world of art and culture! From traditional heritage to contemporary works, discover uniqueness that reflects the nation's identity and identity
BUSANA TRADISIONAL SUKU KAYAN, ETNIK ORANG ULU
Tingkat 5, Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, Jalan Simpang Tiga, 93000 Kuching Sarawak
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Introduction and history
The Kayan tribe mostly reside in the upstream areas in Sarawak and believed to have migrated and settled in this state more than 300 years ago. Basically, this tribe can be divided into three main groups: the Baram Kayan that reside in the interior areas in Baram District in Miri Division; the Belaga Kayan in the interior areas of Kapit Division; and the Tubau Kayan in Belaga District, Bintulu Division.
The traditional pattern and motifs of the Kayan community are closely linked with flora especially ferns, and fauna especially hornbills and tigers. Some contain human head or akin to genie motifs, believed to be their god that can protect them from ill fate, or can bring luck to them.
The males of this community are famous with poked ears at the upper and lower lobes. The poked hole is decorated with bear’s fang woven with beads, named udeng. Nowadays, this culture is becoming extinct and only the Kayan females aged 50 and above are still with long ears and tattoo. The longer are a woman’s ears the more beautiful she is seen in her community.
To obtain a long ear, the ear is burdened with a weighted earring made of lead known as'sabau' and 'lungin',according to the earring type.
Male Costume:
The male traditional costume is rich with warrior characteristics, in accordance with the ngayau practice (head hunting) in yesteryears. It is also made as a dowry set to the bride.
Female Costume:
The traditional female costume of this tribe is made of fine beads sewn according to the traditional design of ikeng, and are colourful. This costume is normally worn during weddings, ceremony of receiving respected dignitary and merriment celebration.
Male Costume:
The male accessories are:
Bakin: Spear.
Heput: Blow pipe.
Sunung: Shirt made from animal hide like goat.
Layung Wei: Head decoration made of rattan, adorned with goat’s fur and hornbill feathers.
Bah: Black sirat (trousers) with beads design.
Tabin: Made of rattan, decorated with small beads, worn on warriors’ hips.
Malat Ilang: Matchet decorated with goat’s fur.
Kelebit: Shield.
Female Costume:
Sapai Li’ung: Sleeveless blouse.
Tapong Inok: Sarong.
Leku: Bracelet normally made of bamboo and animal bones.
Teba’eng Inu: Colourful chain of big beads.
Iseng: Earring made of silver or pinchbeck, hung at the ears.
Tesa: Belt made of big and colourful beads.
Lavung Sek: Head decoration, adorned with colourful beads and goat’s fur.
Sebilang Eno: Shawl made from woven beads.
Selegem: Ring.
Reference Source
Tesis: Motif Tradisional Masyarakat Kayan/ Kenyah. Maureen Imang Jau (Fakulti Seni Gunaan dan Kreatif, 2004).
Asal Usul Kaum Kayan. Daniel (Blog: My Journey of Life, 2017).
Asas Tarian Orang Ulu. Buku Terbitan Bahagian Kebudayaan, Kementerian Pembangunan Sosial dan Urbanisasi, Sarawak.
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Encik Boniface Anak Babai
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Sarawak
Tingkat 5 Bangunan Sultan Iskandar,
Jalan Simpang Tiga,
93000, Kuching,
SARAWAK
019-2399682/082-422006
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