✿ Sibu ✿ SarawaK ✿

Introducion :
Sibu is the largest port and commercial centre in the Rejang Basin and the gateway to Central Sarawak. Located at the confluence of the Rejang and Igan Rivers, approximately 130km from the South China Sea, Sibu is a thriving modern town with vibrant centre and a bustling, crowded waterfront.
To visitors, Sibu feels more down to earth than relaxed uching. There is still something of the pioneer style about the town, and its people are direct, plain speaking and assertively friendly. Of course, their smiles may be partly due to the belief that Sibu has more millionares  per capita than any other city in Borneo.
The mighty Rejang River, almost a mile (1600km) wide, is the dominant feature of the town, and a room with a river view  is highly recommended for vibrant impressions of waterfront life. The river view is a source of constant activity, with large ocean going vessels manoevring delicately between speeding express boats, battered river launches and tiny sampans, and Rejang sunsets can be truly spectacular.
Sibu is not only a fascinating town in its own right, with its excellent road, air and river transport links it is also the ideal jumping off point for exploring the whole Rejang Basin, from the coastal town of Mukah to the furthest reaches of the upper Rejang, over 600km upriver.


People :
The resident of sibu are predominantly Ibans, Melanau and Orang Ulu, also Foochow Chinese,  originating from the Fuzhou region of southern China, and the town is often referred to as New Fuzhou. However Sibu's ethnic mix is as varied as anywhere else in Borneo, with smaller proportions of other Chinese dialect group.

History :
Until the begining 19th century, Sibu was a  sleepy trading settleement in the lower Rejang area, named for the rambutan fruits (buah sibau in the Iban Language) that grew locally. The only significant population was a Melanau village at nearby Kampung Nangka. Sibu's transformation began in 1901 with the arrival of Foochow settlers from Southern China, led by the Reverend Wong Nai Siong. Rev. Wong was a Methodist missionary who sought to find a safe haven for his followers, who were subject to religious persecution in China. Rev. Wong petitioned Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah of Sarawak, who gladly offerred land in the Lower Rejang area in order to develop Sarawak's aagriculture. The first batch of 72 pioneers arrived in 1901, and by 1903 Christian Foochow had made their homes in Sibu. They were later followed by a sizeable groups of Henghuas and Cantonese during the 1st World War period.

The early Chinese settlers planned to cultivate rice, but soon found that the soil was unsuitable for profitable rice farming and turned their attention to pepper, rubber and gambier (a sticky resin formely used in place of rubber).
Despite famine, fever success.
They were capably led by the determined rev. Wong, who was ably assisted by the Hoovers, an American missionary couple who played a major role in the development of Methodism in Sarawak.
By the mid 1920s Sibu began to have the appearance of a fully fledged town.
However disaster struck in 1928, when a major fire destroyed almost all of sibu's predominantly wooden buildings.The hardy settlers simply picked up their tools and built the town all over again, but Sibu was once more severely damaged by second World War, hundreds of local people were killed, not only by the bombing but also by savage Japanese repression of the local Chinese community, who were firm supporters of Chinese Independence and the Nationlist Government of Chian Kai Shek.
Sibu's recovery began in the early 1950s, with the advent of the mechanised logging. The town became the principal centre for the timber industry in Sarawak, and huge fortunes were by enterprising loggers. From the 1960s to the late 1980s Sibu boomed along with the timber trade, and downstream industries such as sawmilling, plywood manufacturing and even shipbuilding were established.
From the early 1990s onwards, the timber industry in Sibu began a gradual decline as more sustainable logging practices were introduced and timber quotas imposed. However the town continued to grow thanks to its strategic importance as the major port and commercial centre for the entire Rejang Besin.

to be continue......

✿ Traditional Longhouse Visits ✿

Longhouse are the traditional dwellings of the natives.
These are communal dweillings and many families live in the same longhouse and share their tasks together.
A stay at the longhouse offers a chance to experience this interesting way of life.
Visitors can stay with the Iban and Bidayuh ethnic groups at the following places.

Iban Longhouse tours: Batang Ai, Lemanak and Skrang.

The Iban longhouse tour at Batang Ai is a unique experience to be cherished.
Lemanak River is about four hours' drive from Kuching capital city of Sarawak Kingdom.
Visitors will get an opportunity to journey upstream along the river on wooden longboat, before arriving at the longhouse where many interesting activities await.
Be awed by a blowpipe demostration, see how rise is cooked in bamboo tubes and watch a traditional native dances.
Batang Ai is the site of the 24,040ha Batang Ai National Park.
It is home to the endangered gibbons, orang utans and hornbills.
Just outside the park is the five stars Hilton longhouse Resort, offering longhouse style accommodation with all the trapping of modernity.

Annah Rais Longhouse: Padawan

Live in a Bidayuh longhouse with the locals, savour the local delights and experience their traditional lifestyle.
A trip to the Annah Rais longhouse offers great nature based activities and cultural shows.
Annah Rais Longhouse is situated about 60km or 1hour30minutes drive from Kuching.
Trips mus be pre-arranged.

What you Must do when visit Iban and Bidayu Longhouse:

- Let's try our rice wine "Ai Tuak".
- Trek to a hot spring of waterfall.
- Try a 'waterfall massage'
- Learn how to cook rice and chicken with bamboo tube.
- Go for Bamboo rafting.
- Enjoy a cultural performance.
- Try your skills with a blowpipe.
- See how rice is harvested.
- Try by yoursefl at playing the traditional instruments.
- Savour local fruits and food.
- Learn how to catch the fish with net, bamboo trap and more.
- Join a group of hunting.
- Camping and survive in the jungle.

✿ Where we come from( Iban ) ✿

Mini Info about Ibans :
- formerly known as Sea Dayaks.
- 30% of Sarawak's populations Iban.
- Population 600,00 ( Sarawak only )
- In ancient times they were a strong warring tribe.
- They were branded the pioneers of headhunting.

“The world’s diverse languages should be spoken, celebrated, and preserved…… If nothing is done, these languages and their cultures will die; the result will be an unprecedented loss of linguistic and cultural diversity over the course of this century. But what actually is lost – not only to scholars but also to the world as a whole? Since every language has within it a unique world view and culture, when it dies, we lose something which can never be replaced – among other things, of course, traditional knowledge, history and wisdom“….
Sheldon Shaeffer, The Director of UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education
This portal is themed “The House of Sengalang Burong“, and it is dedicated in honor of Aki Lang Sengalang Burong, the Iban God of War and all the people of “Tansang Kenyalang“. According to the tales and legend of the Iban people of Borneo, Tansang Kenyalang (which literally means “Hornbill’s nest”) is the abode of Bidok Linggar Natar Disenggal Gumbang Besabong, Aki Jugu Menaul Tuntong, Aki Lang Sengalang Burong, which is located in the dome of the sky (datai ari salepai langit landai, baka bingkai gelong tibang).  He takes the shape of a Brahminy Kite (or haliastur indus as pictured above) in his earthly appearance to man. He was the eldest of the seven siblings, five boys (Sengalang Burong, Menjaya Raja Manang, Selampandai, Gangga Ganggai or Anda Mara and Raja Sempulang Gana) and two girls (Bhiku Bunsu Petara and Ini Inee), born to a fable hero, Raja Jembu.
Aki Lang Sengalang Burong is also known by his praise name as “Earth Tremor that shakes the land and causes a full moon to fell down. Second name isMangkok Berambing, which gave drink to demon Nising who collapsed and became unconcious (Rentap Tanah Belinggang Menoa, Sedan-Sedan Naban Ka Bulan Tanggar Peranama. Kedua bali nama Bejulok Mangkok Berambing, Kena numi Nising ke luput enda ngeleda)”.
In true Iban tradition, visitors are welcomed with true Iban hospitality. As your host, our ever-popular bard, Lemambang Sampang Gading, has been tasked, on behalf of Sengalang Burong and the people of Tansang Kenyalang, to welcome you by waving a rooster above your head and pray:
“I wave this rooster above your head, Praying to God and the holy spirits, To grant all of us good health, happiness and peace. If your omen is bad, this rooster will make it good. If it is good, this rooster will make it better still.”
“Aku miau kai manok tu, minta ngagai Petara, ngasoh kitai gerai nyamai lantang senang. Enti burong kita jai, manok tu ngasoh iya manah. Enti burong kita manah, manok tu ngasoh iya manah agi.”
As you proceed to my house, you’ll be served “Ai Aus“ to quench your thirst, followed by “Ai Untong“ as our gratitude for your presence and “Ai Basu“ to cleanse your soul, ease your worried mind and to make yourself feels comfortable in our humble home. The drinks you’re served with are made from the best rice grains selected from this year harvest and prepared by our most skillful maidens. If you come to attend a major festival to my longhouse, I would have my team of Raja Berani (most trusted and senior warriors) to performngerandang jalai dance to secure the path you are walking in. Then I command my Bujang Berani (junior and tested warriors) to perform the ngelalau dance to build a spiritual fence around you to protect your soul from straying away so that you may fully enjoy the auspicious occasion. Then I would, once again, wave a rooster above your head to bless you for your well being. I will then serve you with our “Ai Basa“, served by skillful and beautiful maidens to convey my respect and gratitude for your presence in our humble home.
These are just a tip of the Iban hospitality and this goes to show a true Iban people have a lot of respect for people and would avoid words that could cause disrespect for people or invoke the wrath of God. We Iban people believe that every living thing have spirit of their own and deserved to be treated with respect. Even the enemy skull hanging above our heads are fully respected and ceremoniously brought to the greatest Iban bird festival, praised (timang) by our bards and displayed as prized possession. Our ancestor Bejie learned a fatal lesson when he ignored the termites and honey bear to his Tangga BejieProject Kick-off meeting.
Visitors to my simple home is expected to show respect and proper conduct to the house owner and everything therein, no matter how humble they may look. The practice of humility, politeness and respect is always appreciated in an Iban longhouse. I welcome any comment, either critique or appreciation, in good faith. It will be appreciated to keep the house in order and better. No one is perfect and there can never be any perfect answer. 
This cyber portal serves as a window to the Iban world. Here you may learn, discuss and have better understanding of the Iban Cultural Heritage. As one of the major ethnic tribe in the island of Borneo and very well known brutal headhunters of the past, the Ibans are culturally and socially often misunderstood people as being backward and uncivilized. A peek into our cultural heritage and history will give a better understanding of how our society have survived, developed and functioned. Readers must understand that there are many more areas of Iban cultural heritage, language, traditions and histories that still needed to be researched on and explored. The information you find here is not an absolute reference material for academic pursuit. Other source of published material, journals, research or studies is required for further cross-references and analysis. Any contributors to this website is very much welcomed and appreciated.

-sources from ( Andrea Ak Nyaring ) thank you for the info.

✿ 'Kelingai Iban' SarawaK Tattoo ✿

Our life is base to customs and culture we are trying to hold.

Since we were born on the island of Borneo's land.

Our lives backgrounds nation's culture and place, which is so great to land the title of Headhunters by rural communities with pride to us.

"Kelingai Iban" the pride of the Iban people since time immemorial.

Is a traditional art that I seek to defend, since we know "kelingai Iban"

When first used ink pot made from wells or black dust called "Ayung."

"Ayung" oil mixed with various sweeteners, which serves to enhances the wearer as well as protection to the wearer. But that's the past, now that we trying to defend is in terms of motifs derived from our ancestors, and handed down from generation to generation today.

Most carving patterns used to make 'kelingai' is intended to adorn the body indicates a warrior, which had hunting head of iban enemy and has also migrated to other places.

Divided front shoulder, 'kelingai' carving pattern that is commonly used is "Bungai Terung". It is perfect and matches in the shoulder.

At the back shoulder, 'Kelingai' carving pattern used is "pour." While in the neck is called "Rangam" in which the pattern resembles a scorpion.

Divided left and right thighs also be engraved with a pattern of 'pour' which is larger than the back of the shoulder. Divided right arm would be engraved with dragon pattern while the left arm is engraved with a floral pattern which is written the name itself or the name of a loved one.

In the calf, floral carvings and a picture of anchors and hooks will be used.

At the back are engraved with a pattern of 'Bungai Terung' that line from the shoulders to below the waist, this sculpture will be infused floral pattern which would increase the beauty of the carving.

Divided chest most people will make the mermaid pattern, while on the left chest is a pattern of dolphins.

Under carved chest will be decorated with a pattern of crabs, fish and shrimp.

According mitosnya, all carved fish, shrimp, crabs will help save them from drowning or shipwreck.

Today, carving 'kelingai' still done when someone is going to move away from home, especially if they be police or soldiers to protect them from disaster.

For Iban people kelingai, has a meaning in each motif from the grounded over their bodies, but not for anyone to be able to have a tattoo as they wanted 'kelingai iban' on their body.  Each design will bring traditional of ‘ kelingai Iban’ express purpose that can be explanation from Iban community.

Before the commencement of the 'Kelingai' they will hold the ceremony ‘Miring’ tilt prior to applying for the blessing of the gods as 'Keling Bungai Nuing, sempurai bunsu Gerai, Laja Bungai Jawa and others they come from' Panggau Libau’.

The Iban people is very respectful of their gods, other gods from Panggau Libau, the Iban people also called goddesses of the "Gelung" to protect people who will make the ‘kelingai’.  it was "Kumang, Indai Abang, Jawai, and Lulung Indai Mendung”.

When the 'Miring' ceremony was held, materials such as white rice, glutinous rice, eggs, popcorn, betel nut, betel and tobacco, these materials are available when required for ceremonial 'Miring' before embarking on a 'kelingai’.

Tattoo practice is the most important way of body jewelry among the Iban people, when look at the Iban people full body tattoo is a habit with the past.

Tattoo play which highlights the courage of a person's status in the community group Iban, Iban for men tattoo tattoo considered a finger to remember an event that happened superbly., this is so easy to remember the important events, the people of Iban in the past also tattoo on a child aged 10 or 11 to indicate a new “Lanjau” and they are ready to participate in hunting activities, the purpose of reaching the tattoo in children is as amulets and protect them from evil spirits and also makes them invincible.

In terms of motives legendary sketch is from the gods named "Keling gerasi nading bujang berani kempang, Laja merah mua ngekang  encherenang, Sempurai munti gerai, Sepatu manuk antu, Sepunggak lumpung naga and other". all of them are the gods of war who lived in ‘Libau Panggau’ where the place is beautiful and unique .

Someone who wants to make a 'kelingai' they must be prepared to endure the pain while hitting 'kelingai' equipment to reach this tattoo is a wooden handle and needle, the needle will be in the tie at the end of the wood, perseverance in producing a work that requires experience traditional tattoo motifs and also highly skilled in the art to produce a tattoo which dipped over the body, in the process of making this tattoo ‘kelingai’ will be performed on the surface of the skin with a needle that has been dipped in ink, to create tattoo designs.

For someone who has reached the tattoo can only be inextricably satisfaction in terms of fineness motif that has been produced and is able to reflect the achievement of a Success, in terms of national culture Iban tattoo sculpture reflects the truth of his favorite Iban people at the beauty of things that are around them and immortalized through sketches tattoo of body, though many cultures around the world use the tattoo as one of body décor, but this tattoo is the most unique Iban and attractive.

Over time in line with the progress of our homeland also brings changes which motivated the development of modern sculpture tattoo, many tattoo is a cultural state time, this is because trend can vary according to changes in time when the tattoo is something that continues to have loyal followers.

Tattoo or 'kelingai' in a kind of Iban people is engraving sketched on the skin or body, the origin of the dance is like a tattoo on the body is a divided into three story, the first one in terms of myth and legend in the myths and legends of the Iban people and enjoyed good 'kelinga' in their bodies because emulate ‘Burung bunsu bubut’(Owl) and ‘Burung bunsu ruai’(magpies) that both her ​​when it appears as a human ‘Bunsu burung bubut’ show cleverness carve on ‘Bunsu burung ruai’ to two adventurers "nyanggau 'and' nyantau '.

They were very impressed with the beauty of seeing the tattoo sketched by ‘Bunsu burung bubut’  on ‘Bunsu burung ruai’ body and they do it when they go back to their place .

For us as people who own tattoo traditions, and we try to keep it as long as i can, every individual who wishes to make a tattoo should know in terms of motives, the role and meaning of the tattoo, it’s very important because a tattoo is permanent and cannot be erased just like that, Most of the design and tattoo style among the dance almost the same, but has greatly expanded the size of the tattoo, tattoo styles and the most real is influenced by the area where they live, the pattern 'kelingai' most famous of Iban people is among the tattoo "Bungai  Terung" it’s will be tattooed divided both shoulders of men among the Iban people.

Second because the sky gods emulate men like tribal Iban decorate their bodies, because following shape as the sky gods such as "sengalang burung" and by "Kelingai" gods of war "Panggau Libau". 

And the third came from a man named "Gemong" Iban people have dreamed, in his dream he saw the walls and everything inside the house was decorated with carvings ‘kelingai' so beautiful, the men who stay at that longhouse have 'Kelingai' while he fun to see the beauty of the carving inside that longhouse suddenly appeared an old man named 'Gemong’ and tell the type of carving ‘Kelingai’ him.

Actually tattoo art should be viewed in terms of positive and it’s a emblem personality and not the strength or symbol to indicate Success as is often perceived by the outside world, a lack of understanding about tattoo art.

Heritage and traditional motifs 'kelingai Iban' is an art form that should be the pride of the nation and should be expanded Iban people against modernity as such Iban warriors are so great with their courage.

✿ Head Hunters Kingdom of SarawaK ✿

In the past, the Dayak were feared for their ancient tradition of headhunting practices. Among the Iban Dayaks, the origin of headhunting was believed to be meeting one of the mourning rules given by a spirit which is as follows:

The sacred jar is not to be opened except by a warrior who has managed to obtain a head, or by a man who can present a human head, which he obtained in a fight; or by a man who has returned from a sojourn in enemy country.

The war (ngayau) regulations among the Iban Dayaks are listed below:

If a war leader leads a party on an expedition, he must not allow his warriors to fight a guiltless tribe that has no quarrel with them.
If the enemy surrenders, he may not take their lives, lest his army be unsuccessful in future warfare and risk fighting empty-handed war raids (balang kayau).
The first time that a warrior takes a head or captures a prisoner, he must present the head or captive to the war leader in acknowledgement of the latter’s leadership.
If a warrior takes two heads or captives, or more, one of each must be given to the war leader; the remainder belongs to the killer or captor.
The war leader must be honest with his followers in order that in future wars he may not be defeated (alah bunoh).

There were various reasons for headhunting as listed below:

For soil fertility so Dayaks hunted fresh heads before paddy harvesting seasons after which head festival would be held in honor of the new heads.
To add supernatural strength which Dayaks believed to be centered in the soul and head of humans. Fresh heads can give magical powers for communal protection, bountiful paddy harvesting and disease curing.
To avenge revenge for murders based on “blood credit” principle unless “adat pati nyawa” (customary compensation token) is paid.
To pay dowry for marriages e.g. “derian palit mata” (eye blocking dowry) for Ibans once blood has been splashed prior to agreeing to marriage and of course, new fresh heads show prowess, bravery, ability and capability to protect his family, community and land.

For foundation of new buildings to be stronger and meaningful than the normal practice of not putting in human heads.
For protection against enemy attacks according to the principle of “attack first before being attacked”.
As a symbol of power and social status ranking where the more heads someone has, the respect and glory due to him. The war leader is called tuai serang (warleader) or raja berani (king of the brave) while kayau anak (small raid) leader is only called tuai kayau (raid leader) whereby adat tebalu (widower rule) after their death would be paid according to their ranking status in the community. For territorial expansion where some brave Dayaks intentionally migrated into new areas such as Mujah “Buah Raya” migrated from Skrang to Paku to Kanowit  while infighting among Ibans themselves in Batang Ai caused the Ulu Ai Ibans to migrate to Batang Kanyau River in Kapuas, Kalimantan and then proceeded to Katibas and later on Ulu Rajang in Sarawak. The earlier migrations from Kapuas to Batang Ai, Batang Lupar, Batang Saribas and Batang Krian rivers were also made possible by fighting the local tribes like Bukitan.

Reasons for abandoning headhunting are:

Peacemaking agreements at Tumbang Anoi, Kalimantan in 1894 and Kapit, Sarawak in 1924. Coming of Christianity with education where Dayaks are taught that headhunting or murder is against the Christian Bible teachings for whatever reasons.

Dayaks’ own realization that headhunting was more to lose than to gain.

After mass conversions to Christianity and Islam, and anti-headhunting legislation by the colonial powers was passed, the practice was banned and appeared to have disappeared. However, the headhunting began to surface again in the mid-1940s, when the Allied Powers encouraged the practice against the Japanese. It also slightly surged in the late 1960s when the Indonesian government encouraged Dayaks to purge Chinese from interior Kalimantan who were suspected of supporting communism in mainland China and also in late 90s when the Dayak started to attack Madurese emigrants in an explosion of ethnic violence.

It should be noted headhunting or human sacrifice was also practiced by other tribes such as follows:

Toraja community in Sulawesi used adat Ma’ Barata (human sacrifice) in Rambu Solo’ ritual which is still held until the arrival of the Hindi Dutch which is a custom to honor someone with a symbol of a great warrior and bravery in a war.

In Gomo, Sumatra, there were megalithic artifacts where one of them is “batu pancung” (beheading stone) on which to tie any captive or convicted criminals for beheading.


One distinction was their ritual practice of head hunting, once prevalent among tribal warriors in Nagaland and among the Naga tribes in Myanmar. They used to take the heads of enemies to take on their power.

What's Meaning of  "Ngayau"
"Ngayau" a.k.a Head Hunter.
Ngayau is one of the expedition attacks perpetrated in Tradition Traditional Tribal Dayak Iban at a time. At the start of  "Ngayau" done or started from the origin ''Mengayau'' Dayak Tribe, one of the ancestral tribe living in Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia.
The meaning of the word is meant Ngayau: An expedition of a group of people who go and attack villages or longhouses others where it is known as "Kayau Serang" the head hunt attack. And another type of attack made with a small amount of his followers and it is known as "Kayau Anak". "Kayau Anak" is an attack that is feared by all the people in days of old.
The meaning " Kayau Serang " is a large group of men gathered and assembled to make a large batch having been summoned by a chief and plans to organize an attack against the enemy where they are coming in droves from different longhouses to attack the enemy by word word order of their leader known as "Tuai Kayau " or "Tuai Serang".

The meaning "Kayau Anak" is an attack against the enemy expedition organized by a small group of people consisting of about twenty war hero who dares oppose the enemy or smaller than that. They are going to attack the enemy when the enemy was on the way to the rice fields, in the course of the river bathing, or are looking ferns in the forest, or being in the woods hunting or given.
They perform this attack without careful planning or can be said to be done by the liver spontaneous revolt against the enemy. That's why we've heard stories of people who went to the first Iban rice fields must be cared for by a group of warriors brave enough against enemy for fear they will be victims of "Kayau Anak"attack. Please read the story "Peturun Iban" in the chapter "Bangsa Seru" in which it reported the grandson of an Iban warrior named Demong, who became head of the Iban tribe in the area of ​​"Batang Paku", Betong is known by the name Belaki , has died due to "Serang Kayau" by Seru tribe when they were working rice fields in the area known as the "Tanjung Kundong", Batang Paku, Betong. Also with him was his wife dead named Beremas ( brother to a Leader Attack Iban named Uyut or better known as Besi Bedilang ). Bedilang in Iban language is the one place where the Iban smoked been decapitated heads of enemies at home a long time ago. Belaki brother in law,also killed named Kadir.
But tribes Seru who has done it successfully kayau children chased and captured by their hero named Jimbai, Umar, Jelema and Buma. The Seru were killed when they are resting while waiting for their friend to climb trees "Keranji" having fled, bringing with them a head Belaki who were beheaded. Tribes Seru has been killed in an area known as "Bukit Tampak Panas" between the continent "Batang Paku" and "Batang Rimbas".

During expedition this ngayau warriors defeated their enemies must decapitate enemies they killed as a sign of their bravery in the attack. They will also seize all enemy property they like, as they wish and also capture all the enemies that are still alive to be brought back to their hometowns so adversary will later serve as their eternal slave. There are also those who managed to defeat the enemy is capturing young princess Kayau chief enemy and serve as their wives.

The main reason they must cut off the head of his enemy and bring them back to the longhouse is a sign of courage, agility and prowess against the enemy. During expedition ngayau the last. And those who have managed to decapitate the enemy that just killed an enemy or they are known by the Dayak ancestral tribe as "Bedengah" and they are known by many as the "Bujang Berani".

The story of this Ngayau been written in a book by Bock paper in 1881 titled "The Head Hunters of Borneo" which tells the Dayak tribe is a tribe that lived on the island of Borneo is known for being a brave sacrifice their lives to the death of last wishes to get as many decapitated heads of enemies successfully conquered when they go Ngayau, which they can raise their name as being known and designated as a leader among their people. The other reason this is done is because Ngayau ended his period of mourning by the Dayak tribes during ancient times in longhouses. Prior to the expiry of the period of mourning, then all the tribes sakat people who have died will be calling all the occupants in their longhouses to meet to discuss how they 're ending the mourning period to the other, so it's far more of their historic.

Follow the traditions of Dayak tribes before they are gone it is intended to "Ngayau Anak" get the human head to end their period of mourning in the longhouses in lieu of their family members who have died that. After they managed to get the man 's head they will come back as soon as possible and when they got home run, they will be greeted with joy, which is named as "Mangka Ka Selaing" which means prayer of thanksgiving.

Upon arrival at its main entrance their longhouses, they would shout as loudly heart as a warning indicating they have reached, and it will also be rewarded by hitting the gong of the longhouse residents. Their arrival will be greeted as a hero custom welcomed war. Human head was brought back to be greeted by a female or wife warriors themselves using nyiru used as tampi by them. Or it will be welcomed to use a large ceramic plate size of her , covered with a cloth woven using Dayak tribe known as "Pua Kumbu" which is a special fabric made ​​traditionally by the Dayak tribe for a massive ceremony. It is also celebrated using the symbolic language cuss Sampi used by Dayak tribes to greet the head of the enemy.

Once the enemy's head brought into the home long did other people in the longhouse in turn bring with them the head of the enemy by means of a symbolic dance along the length of the house known as "Naku Antu Pala" until it reaches the middle of the enemy's head living center of the mourners. After the enemy's head in the living room of the new mourners mourning is terminated. Follow the traditions of ancient Dayak tribes during the period of mourning the deceased family members are not allowed to cut the hair, the longhouse residents can not hold any ritual gatherings, no visitors from other longhouses allowed to travel to their longhouses and many other taboo other marks a sad and heartbroken by the death of the last.

Done alone dealt with the funeral earlier terminated, the head of the enemy will be carried into the living room in the longhouse chief. The head of the enemy will be placed in a special place called "Bedilang Tampun", it was the place where the head of the enemy will be smoked in the longhouse. The head of the enemy will be a war hero estate sign in longhouses. Only then will the people living in the longhouse had uapacara gatherings called "Gawai Enchaboh Arong", as a token of gratitude, war hero beating victory over their enemies.

So for reasons of courage, strength, agility and sacrifice of the soul, then start Dayak tribes in ancient times and continue to take pride in doing espedisi attack "Ngayau" to avenge the death of their family member who died at the hands of the enemy without any reason that is not known. They also melakaukan "Ngayau" as to seize the inheritance of others, jostling for power to be a leader, and also to take advantage seize the property of others. So anyone who managed to beat the opponent in the expedition "Ngayau" will mendai famous, distinguished as a war hero and respected people in the area.

The man was last when he was known as a war hero after he returned from the expedition "Ngayau", then he would make a mark on his body known as body tattoo black corak bermotifkan humans, animals or plants. Tatto is known as the "Carving" or "Kelingai". They can also use a hat called "Ketapu" or "Selapok Betunjang" where the cap will be attached with a peacock feather or a hornbill. They can also use clothing made ​​from the skin of wild animals like leopard, leopards and bears are known as "Gagong". Warriors battle going expedition "Ngayau" there must be a good sign in a dream and also believes that the sound of birds that they can help their fate before they go "Ngayau." Or make great boat for espedisi concerned. In all the things they want to do will be preceded by a ceremonial "Miring", a ritual worship to the gods that they believe can help them during the attack "Ngayau" later. "Miring" must do because they believe that god or "Tua" they'll go with the attack and help them to succeed in the attack.
According to a book written by novelist named Miller in 1946 titled "Black Borneo". He's saying that all the heroes of the Dayak tribes who go "Ngayau" there has strength, agility and the extraordinary courage of ordinary people to another. And what happened to the heroes is that they have incredible power, which is not known from any cause during his battle with the enemy, even more so when they have managed to decapitate their enemies. And also by faith Dayak tribes, skulls of the slain mempunyaui lot of power that can help them in the past it if he is well cared for and respected by his owner. Human skull was also known as "Antu Pala" can be used to treat critically ill patients when a ceremonial "Gawai Burung", the ceremony of blessing the crowds to apply traditional treat patients using the power of the spirit of the term in the head . " Antu Pala " may also be used by farmers to apply it rains during the summer drought parched. And when the power is on "Antu Pala" has been exhausted or depleted, which is why its one of the causes of why they go "Ngayau" again to get the parts so that they have the legal permanent "Antu Pala" that can help them live all the time. "Antu Pala" juag can be used to keep the house or fields from destruction by wild animals if he is someone who is knowledgeable can make his power exists as required by the owner.

According to Mc Kinley book written in 1976, he asked why the Dayak tribes when they are safely back from the expedition. "Ngayau" olden days must bring back the head of the enemy who were beheaded and not bring other parts of the body as a sign of their courage sekalu a war hero. And in his opinion that the Dayak tribe felt proud when bailik of eksepidisi "Ngayau" and bring with them the head of the enemy who were killed as a sign of victory for Dayak tribes believe that the head of the enemy is the same as an enemy of the body. Because of the style of the look of a man in the head we can easily identify who the person is and also it allows them to know who murdered sakat quarter during an attack "Ngayau" it.

Expedition "Ngayau", all the heroes of Dayak Iban suiku can show courage, strength and agility when attacking their opponents, allowing them to seek the title of "Bujang Berani". Bujang Berani is also a much sought after among all the girls in the past to serve as a husband or they can also easily be accepted by the Lead Kayau, or wealthy dignitaries to be son-in-law while they look for candidates during the engagement ceremony is done. According to the stories of the ancients that "Ngayau" was started by a tribal god named Keling Iban Dayak native continent Libau Panggau Lendat In Biau Takang Isang where he won the title "Keling Gerasi Nading, Bujang Berani Kempang, Mayuh Rembang". And the act of beheading his enemies at first performed by a god named Lang Sengalang Burung when they fought against the British tribes in the ocean wilderness. But being too angry when he joined the expedition "Ngayau" suddenly Lang Sengalang Burung continue cutting all the dead who have successfully killed the enemy, and then cut the head of his which is separating the head and body, and immediately brought him all the enemy's head back to their longhouses in Gelung Batu Nakung as proof that he is a "Bujang Berani" or a real war hero.

Preparation for Head Hunters :
Before all the heroes of Dayak Tribes go " Ngayau " , all in the first longhouse residents shall notify all Iban longhouse residents living near or along rivers in the area in which they are related or good friends in pleasure or distress that's a special meeting of expeditions " Ngayau " will be held by the Kayau them .

Upon completion of all Preparatory meetings to go " Ngayau " all the people involved will work together to make war boats called All " Boat Kayau " . The boat is made ​​durables Using wood for her sais expeditions and should fit in as much as a war hero who would go on to join the war . They are also gearing up to make some weapons to fight like Iban swords called All " ilang " and " Nyabor . "

They also make a shield made ​​of light wood sereta run dry for easy Carrying while attacking the enemy . They also make a wooden blowgun " Tapang " or of type kayau durables cans so that's They kill the enemy from a distance without being noticed by the strength They release a type of arrow known as the " Laja " that was ready made from objects sharp and has digauli with Rattlesnake venom like a cobra or locust wood and rubber ipoh .

Once all the Sonny PREPARATIONS are completed and continue to hold a meeting to determine the length of time that's seuai and also to any direction They want to go " ngayau " later . A week BEFORE They go " ngayau " all the women in the Longhouse has completed all PREPARATIONS to hold persemahan to Their gods They believe that's tanah cans help the success of the attack later .

Persons seeking men would go hunt animals and fish menuba river so that's They have Sufficient food supplies for Their wives and children who live in the period during your longhouses They go to war . They also go in search of Charms and Amulets from relatives who live close to Their Success Expedition " ngayau " later ..

The day BEFORE They go to war , They will cook the rice , bamboo rice cylinder , Which would be Their food during your Provision the journey to to be attacked . The night BEFORE They go to war , They will gather at the Longhouse in the living room " Harvest Kayau " the chief war to mengadaakan uoacara semahan to god and the god They believe ur help in our cans Expedition " ngayau " later . They also will adore all the Charms and Amulets are used to fight in the ceremony .

During the ceremony the " Harvest kayau " and assisted by some healers and shamans will be Able to choose all the men who volunteered to go to join the Expedition Because They fear if he is not selected men , Sonny will be dead or in trouble during your the war later . " Harvest Kayau " Which man will also choose cans be Appointed as the chief of the guards to Their wives and children who live in long houses , abandoned during your the war later, as They are also afraid that's Their longhouses will be attacked by the other Enemies .

During semahan and cult rituals make up gods , gods that's They believe , Amulets and Charms that's They have and also other things and are believed to help tanah the success of the attack later , They will provide semahan known as " dish" in the form of The annual materials stated the following :

Seven Dishes glutinous rice ,
Seven env " Tumpe " made of rice mixed with glutinous rice ,
seven env " Rendai " of fried rice is dried up like pop corn ,
seven eggs,
a large storage tray : 
(a ) Bethel.
( b ) leaves Engkelait.
( c ) Cigarettes made ​​of palm leaves.
( d ) Chalk. 
( e ) Fruit Banana 
( f ) Tobacco 
( g ) Seventh seed rice cake made ​​of glutinous rice , black ,
6 . A plate of cakes Prison , cakes and cakes cap nets ,
7 . 3 pairs of " Keresang " which was woven bamboo baskets square as
well as some of the pieces at the top of the reed and woven like a
bowl for storing " dish" ,
They two men or female pigs ,
a " Antu Pala " of human that's Skulls were beheaded When They defeated the enemy in the Expedition " ngayau "
Which is a drinking water Toddy made ​​with yeast and glutinous rice ,
A huge coconut ,
that's piece of cloth is used as a flag to go to war " ngayau . "

In That night all the men who were selected to participate in the Expedition " ngayau " will be asked to sit together in the living room " Lead Kayau " and going to dinner together . After the ceremony make worship " dish" of seven Dishes ready , then " Lead Kayau " will choose a designated person to make use of the cult 's mantra of the " Saucer " with swung the chicken above " plate " is .

Chickens that's have been used in rituals of the cult will swing over the heads of all the men who were selected to participate in the Expedition " ngayau " at least three times each , and Successful berdoakan They will be in the attack , healthy and protected from future disasters along the way . " Harvest Kayau " ai threw his Toddy received solely for For further gods by seven times , for praying for god and god will protect ur phone from any kind of trouble and success of the Expedition " ngayau " later .



The meaning of the rice in the packet of " dish" is praying for all the heroes of the Expedition will unite and work together Successfully " Ngayau " later . And also Their meaning and use ai Toddy the drink during your Ceremony " Tilt " is to Prevent Them getting all the heroes of that goes " Ngayau " is energetic and willing to fight tooth and nail against the enemy . Meaning Sonny " Italic " Uses " Tumpe " is his loyal imagine meditating to the " Harvest Kayau " in the attack . Meaning They Sow " Rendai " is to imply that's the gods Dayak Tribes from the continent will come Panggau Libau ur help in the attack . And also the meaning of cigarettes made ​​from palm leaves , betel , and materials " dish" the rest will be Stored in Different five parts , and Stored in the " Keresang " and Placed ditiang sri (play) Longhouse or Placed Them ditiang ' Ranyai " the tree is Placed in the middle of the Longhouse the coop it will be Placed under the tree all the Charms and Amulets to fight to the gods and god kept ur coming from Libau Panggau continent through incantation called All the shamans or shamans during your Ceremony " Italic " The Learned later that's people in the longhouses and their presence needs help Immediately .

Mini Info about Ibans :
- formerly known as Sea Dayaks.
- 30% of Sarawak's populations Iban.
- Population 600,00 ( Sarawak only )
- In ancient times they were a strong warring tribe.
- They were branded the pioneers of headhunting.