TRANSFORMATION IN THE INDIGENOUS WEAVING PRACTICE OF THE IBAN OF SARAWAK, MALAYSIA AND THE DESA DAYAK OF SINTANG, KALIMANTAN, INDONESIA

Main Article Content

Janet Rata Noel

Abstract

The Ibans of Sarawak, Malaysia, and the Desa Dayaks of Sintang Kalimantan, Indonesia, engage in similar textiles weaving practice, the tie-dye resist technique (ikat, kebat), a weaving heritage that was believed to be a dying art but has continued to survive due to the efforts of various stakeholders. Iban and Desa Dayak weavers used to weave large ceremonial textiles such as the pua kumbu mainly for their own use but today they also weave for commercial purposes. This paper compares and analyses institutions, weaving communities, weaving cooperatives and other stakeholders who focus on reviving, revitalising and preserving this intangible cultural heritage. In Sarawak, institutions such as The Tun Jugah Foundation has played a major role in revitalising and preserving the art of Iban textile weaving via its living museum and textiles weaving gallery. There are also other stakeholders such as the Sarawak Museum, UNIMAS (University of Malaysia Sarawak), University of Malaya, other NGOs such as Society Atelier Sarawak, SIDS (Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak), and individuals who have influenced the revitalising of this textile weaving heritage. In Indonesia, Institutions such as the PRCF (People, Resources and Conservation Foundation), Kobus Foundation, JMM (Jasa Menenun Mandiri, a weavers’ cooperative in Sintang), Threads of Life Bali and Museum Kapuas Raya Sintang have played significant roles in reviving and revitalising the ikat weaving heritage of the Desa Dayaks in Sintang, Kalimantan. Some of these stakeholders from both countries have collaborated and worked together in promoting and preserving this textiles weaving heritage through activities and programmes held in Borneo, such as exhibitions, workshops and other community programmes.
Keywords: textiles weaving, intangible heritage, comparative analysis, Iban, Desa Dayak, community collaboration

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Article Details

Section
Articles