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 PENAN, ETNIK ORANG ULU
Tingkat 5, Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, Jalan Simpang Tiga, 93000 Kuching Sarawak
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Introduction and history
The Penans are soft and shy people, different from the primitive image and non-courteous in the eyes of others. They are the only tribe that never practiced head hunting in Sarawak. They avoid conflict and use negotiation if there is misunderstanding.
According to history, the Penan tribe lived as nomads in the jungle. However, nowadays many reside in permanent settlement like in Lusong Laku, Belaga. With the change of this livelihood the Penan tribe begin to socialize and live in community.
Until today there are a small number of the Penans that are still barefooted in the jungle. There is no known Penan community that are ever totally in the nude. Only the elderlies still maintain traditional attire that are loincloth, ankle and wrist ties as well as big holes in the ear lobes. There are aplenty too that wear T-shirt, shirt, trousers and short pants.
Up to now there is no traditional costume of the Penans in Belaga been documented officially. The one mostly worn are influenced by and assimilated with other tribe’s costume that live around Belaga, like the Kayan and Kenyah. However, the Penan tribe has begun to look for their own identity so as not to be equalled with the Kayan and Kenyah tribes.
Apart from looking after the family, the Penan women’s side activity is producing handicraft from rattan. Their handicrafts are well-known due to finesse and difficult weaving.
Male Costume:
The Penan Belaga men’s costume is simple. Since before they prioritize the responsibility of looking for food in the jungle for their families. Hence, they do not place importance on the worn costume, just enough on the loincloth and jungle hunting tools only.
Male Costume:
Most Penan men wear loincloth that is traditionally made from tree bark. However, today it is made of cotton. This material is obtained via trade with other tribes like the Kayan, Kenyah and Kelabit, as well as Malay and Chinese offshore traders.
The Penan Belaga men’s costume is simple. Since before they prioritize the responsibility of looking for food in the jungle for their families. Hence, they do not place importance on the worn costume, just enough on the loincloth and jungle hunting tools only.
Female Costume:
Originally, Penan women just adorn sarong to cover the body from the waist down. Those in Belaga, especially in Lusong Laku, begin to learn to socialize after residing in permanent settlement. They also begin to search for identity and producing their costume.
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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