IBAN IN SARAWAK

INTRODUCTION

The Ibans are a branch of the Dayak peoples of Borneo.The total population of Iban people is 100,000 in Sarawak only... Majority of Ibans who live around the Lundu and Samarahan region are called Sebuyaus. The origin of the name Iban is a mystery.It exits in many theories..During the British colonial era, the Ibans were called Sea Dayaks. Some believe that the word Iban was an ancient original Iban word for people or man. The modern-day Iban word for people or man is mensia, a slightly modified Malay loan word of the same meaning (manusia) of Sanskrit Roor.

The Ibans were unfortunately branded for being pioneers of headhunting. Headhunting among the Ibans is believed to have started when the lands occupied by the Ibans became over-populated. In those days, before the arrival of western civilization, intruding on lands belonging to other tribes resulted in death. Confrontation was the only way of survival...

BRANCHES OF IBAN PEOPLE

Ibans who live in areas in Serian district (places like Kampung Lebor, Kampung Tanah Mawang & others) are called Remuns. They may be the earliest Iban group to migrate to Sarawak. Ibans who originated from Sri Aman area are called Balaus. Ibans who come from Betong, Saratok & parts of Sarikei are called Saribas. The Lubok Antu Ibans are classed by anthropologists as Ulu Ai Ibans. Ibans from Undup are called Undup Ibans. Their dialect is somewhat a cross between the Ulu Ai dialect & the Balau dialect. Ibans living in areas from Sarikei to Miri are called Rajang Ibans. They are the majority group of the Iban people. They can be found along the Rajang River, Sibu, Kapit, Belaga, Kanowit, Song, Sarikei, Bintangor, Bintulu and Miri. Their dialect is somewhat similar to the Ulu Ai dialect.

RELIGION

An Iban woman prepares cotton for spinning

The Ibans were traditionally animist, although the majority are now Christian, some of them Muslim and many continue to observe both Christian and traditional ceremonies, particularly during marriages or festivals.

FESTIVAL

The main festival for Iban is festival Gawai Dayak..The Gawai Dayak festival is celebrated every year on the 1st of June, at the end of the harvest season, to worship the Lord Sempulang Gana.The other festival that they have celebrated are Gawai Burong ( bird festival ) and Gawai Antu ( spirit festival )...

CULTURE

They have difference in faiths, Ibans of different faiths do help each other during Gawais and Christmas. Differences in faith is never become a problem in the Iban community. The Ibans believe in helping and having fun together. This is ironic for a tribe who once waged war with others due to differences.

MUSICAL AND DANCING HERITAGE

The Iban as well as the Kayan also play an instrument resembling the flute called 'Sape'. The Sape is the official musical instrument in Sarawak. It is played similarly to the way rock guitarists play guitar solos, a little slower but not as slow as blues.One of the example of Iban traditional music is the taboh.

The Ibans have a unique dance called the ngajat. It serves many purposes depending on the occasion. During Gawais, it is used to entertain the people who in the olden days enjoy graceful ngajats as a form of entertainment. Iban men and women have different styles of ngajat. The ngajat involves a lot of precise body-turning movements. The ngajat for men is more aggressive and depicts a man going to war, or a bird flying (as a respect to the Iban god of war, Singalang Burong). The women's form of ngajat consists of soft, graceful movements with very precise body turns. Each ngajat is accompanied by the taboh or the body.