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The Borneo natives have a diversity of cultures with their own expressions of art. Geometric and floral designs seem to dominate most the local arts. The indigenous tribes in Borneo are made up of these groups; Iban, Dayak, Orang Ulu, Kelabit, Punan, etc. Most of these people live in longhouses and this longhouse is like a single floor apartment building on stilts. Each family gets a room and the whole village shares a longhouse with one ‘Tuai Kampung’ or head taking charge of the longhouse.
One of the most famous manifestation of Borneo people creativity is the Pua Kumbu (blanket). It is traditionally woven by the Iban women. It is made from individually dyed threads on a back strap loom. The weaver creates the patterns in the fusion form of the real and imagination. Whilst wood carvings are normally used for offerings for religious festivals and rituals. Each of the many different tribes has its own unique designs. For example, ornate carved hornbills are produced by the Penan for the hornbill festival, the Melanau carve the sickness figures for use in healing rituals, the Orang Ulu decorate their longhouses with beautifully carved panels and pillars with wildlife designs, etc.Hardwood is normally used in all of the wood carvings. Lun Bawang and Long Tuma peoples are famous beadwork craft producers. They also make their own ceramic beads and use them to decorate their costumes, baby carriers, ladies bags and sun hats.
The best place to look for souvenirs is along the MAIN BAZAAR road (opposite Kuching Waterfront) |
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