"Understanding the Dau Sea Dayaks in Sarawak, Malaysia"
| |
"I opened my eyes to behold the entire breadth of the Kelingkang Mountain Range from the window in my room. It was the magical moment just before first light, when the fresh air of Sarawak tickled my senses and the mountains shrouded in mist presented themselves to me in their full glory. The day had just begun and there was a lot to enjoy and experience." |
|
|
Mark Lim, lecturer-in-charge
|
|
|
|
|
It was the first time ever that the Dau Sea Dayaks of the Po Ai longhouse community opened their doors to a foreign group. Our team of 11 students was in Sarawak for the vacation research module entitled Understanding the Dau Sea Dayaks in Sarawak, Malaysia. During the trip, students experienced aspects of Dau life such as how to harvest padi and tap rubber. They were also immersed in experiences that allowed them to understand why traditional customs like headhunting were so important to the Sea Dayaks, also known as the Ibans.
The team also participated in nature activities such as jungle trekking and river walking. They also learnt about jungle survival from the Ibans, who can hunt for food and prepare meals in the wild equipped with nothing but a sharp knife. Indeed, one of the highlights of the trip was to enjoy the simple yet delicious food prepared by the Ibans. This included bamboo-wrapped chicken, glutinous rice steamed in pitcher plants, and fish simply speared with a wooden stick and left to sizzle on the open flames.
What the team took away most was the warmth and hospitality of the Ibans. We were welcomed to the community with a spectacular fireworks display and drum ceremony—a gesture that was symbolic of the deep Iban hospitality we later came to love. Indeed the departing tears on the faces of both students and Ibans told a story of how we had become more than guests to them, much like family. |
Students resting from a forest walk. |
|
Reflections of Inez Ho, Year 1 FMS Student
I really enjoyed the trip all the way from the first day to the last! We learnt a lot, from how and why headhunting was done in the past, to the correct ways of harvesting padi. I felt really fulfilled when I collected a bucket full of padi stalks. We also learnt to do rubber tapping, which is really fun. You would never know that rubber sap tastes like milk till you try it!
|
Students plucking padi. |
By the end of our stay in the longhouse, we had made really strong friendships with the merry indigenous people there. Not only are they fun-loving, but they are also really talented people. Talk about making baskets with intricate designs straight out of rattan trees, performing traditional war dances with musical instruments, and crafting necklaces out of natural seeds! I even made my own necklaces and managed to weave a small basket…with a little help of course.
What would really put a big grin on your face? Observing how the child-like grandfathers play with handmade spinning tops and blowpipes!
 Students engaged in reflection at the Po Ai modern longhouse
|
I will definitely go back to Sarawak when the opportunity arises, not only because of the people themselves, the good food and fun, but also because it gives me an opportunity to be away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Although it took a little time to adjust to the culture shock, I really enjoyed and appreciated the slow-paced life and precious friendships made. |