Gawai Dayak
On June 1 every year the Dayak people in Sarawak, who are traditionally farmers celebrate Gawai Dayak. It is a day to give thanks to the gods after the rice harvesting season is over.
Gearing up for Gawai
The Conditioned Movement Control Order (CMCO) certainly is not a stopping factor for the Dayak folks here in Sarawak to get into a full-on Gawai mode. Though there will be no big Gawai celebrations and no ngabang (visiting) this year, many are still preparing to celebrate the coming Gawai Dayak on June 1. But instead of having open house, everyone will be celebrating at home with their family.
The enduring allure of Sarawak’s Keringkam and Songket
Keringkam and Songket are two of the most precious heritages of the Malay community in Sarawak. Painstakingly produced by hand, they fetch high prices and were once worn only by the nobles of Sarawak.
Back to our roots: Traditional Medicine in Sarawak
Sarawak’s forests hold over 1,000 known plant species with medicinal properties. Many of these plants have been traditionally used by various indigenous communities to treat a variety of illnesses.
Living on Traditional Skills
Sarawak handicrafts are justly famous. From ikat weaving to mat-making and basketry, from woodcarving to beadwork, these exquisite products give our State a good name in the world of arts, crafts and material culture.
Tribal Ink
Tattoo is a form of body art that has long been practised by ancient civilisations, evidenced by the discovery of mummified remains dating as far back as 2100 BC, all with tattoos on their skin. Tattoos are done using specific needles to puncture the skin and injecting it with ink to create permanent art on the body. It was originally done manually, with the tattooist puncturing a customer’s skin and injecting it with ink by hand. It was a much slower process and was more painful. Today, tattooing is done using special machines and specific types of ink, offering greater accuracy, shorter tattooing sessions and better results.