RACES IBAN

The Ibans comprise the largest percentage (almost 30%) of Sarawak's population. Iban is native to Sarawak and Sarawak has the highest number of Ibans in Borneo. Formerly reputed to be the most formidable headhunters on the island of Borneo, the Ibans of today are a generous, hospitable and placid people.

Because of their history as pirates and fishermen, Ibans were conventionally referred to as the "Sea Dayaks". The early Iban settlers migrated from Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo south of Sarawak, via the Kapuas River. They crossed over the Kelingkang range and set up home in the river valleys of Batang Ai, the Skrang River, Saribas, and the Rajang River. The Ibans dwell in longhouses, stilted structures with a large number of rooms housing a whole community of families.

An Iban longhouse may still display head trophies or antu pala. These suspended heads mark tribal victories and were a source of honour. The Dayak Iban ceased practising headhunting in the 1930s.

The Ibans are renowned for their Pua Kumbu (traditional Iban weavings), silver craft, wooden carvings and bead work.

Iban tattoos, which were originally symbols of bravery among Iban warriors, have become amongst the most distinctive in the world. The Ibans are also famous for a sweet rice wine called tuak, which is served during big celebrations and festive occasions.

The large majority of Ibans practise Christianity. However, like most other ethnic groups in Sarawak, they still observe many of their traditional rituals and beliefs. Sarawak Iban celebrates colourful festivals such as the generic Gawai Dayak (harvest festival) which is to be held by all Dayak tribes including Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu regardless of religion, Gawai Umai (Rice Farm Festival) such as Gawai Batu (Whetstone Festival), Gawai Ngalihka Tanah (Soil-Churning Festival), Gawai Benih (Seed Festival), Gawai Ngemali Umai (Farm-Healing Festival), Gawai Matah (Harvest-Starting Festival) and Gawai Basimpan (PAddy Safekeeping Festival), Gawai Kenyalang (Hornbill Festival), Gawai Burong with nine stages (Bird Festival), Gawai Tuah with three stages (Luck Festival), Gawai Tajau (Jar Festival), Gawai Pangkong Tiang (House Post Banging Festival), Gawai Sakit (Healing Festival), Gawai Antu (festival of the dead), Gawai Batambah Bulu (Hair-Adding Festival) and Gawai Nanga Langit (Sky-Staircasing Festival).

It is interesting to note that due to the natural culture of bajalai (sojurn) among Ibans mainly in search of jobs, there is a thriving Iban population of between 30,000 and 40,000 in Johor, found mostly in the area between Pasir Gudang and Masai on the eastern end of the Johor Bahru metropolitan area. Sizeable Iban communities are also present in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, likewise seeking employment. Most will return home during the Gawai Dayak.