Sarawak Handicraft & Souvenir Association - Iban Local Local Products

Local Products

Iban Pua series

1) Pua Kumbu

Hand-woven on a back-strap loom, Pua Kumbu represent the soul of Iban culture. It is a woven mythological tale about the weaver and her affiliation with the spirit world.

The weaving is considered sacred and is believed to be able to mediate between man and the spirit world when spiritual power is woven into it with its designs conceived. Although dreams according to their weaving status and are thus limited in expressions till she is spiritually matured.

In Iban culture, a woman who weaved a spiritually superb Pua Kumbu would achieves a social status equivalent to that of a great warrior.

2) Pua Sungkit

Among the three Iban Pua series identified, Pua Kumbu and Pua Karap are still available in the market with Pua Kumbu being most common. Pua Sungkit is totally unavailable in the market probably because no one is willing to go through the tedious process of its weaving journey.

In fact, the function of Pua Sungkit in Iban Culture is exactly the same as Pua Kumbu, the only difference between Pua Sungkit and Pua Kumbu is the weaving technique and process during the making.

However, due to its difficult making process, most Pua Sungkit are smaller in size and most of it were made into higher value items like costume where it was featured as skirt and only be worn by dancers of higher caliber during special occasion.

3) Pua Karap

Pua Karap, another piece of art that is equally important within the Iban Community. If we look at the traditional Iban costume, besides the silver headgear and accessories on the head and Mariak Empang ( the beaded collar) down the shoulder, Kain Karap made up the rest of the costume component ( the Skirt and Selampai ) . Although sometimes we do find the skirt to be in the form of Pua Kumbu and Pua Sungkit, but Kain Karap is the preferred choice as its refined weaving technique adds texture to Nangjat performances, a must in most celebrations.

Mariak Empang of the Iban Community

This ornate piece of art is intricately stringed and is an iconic component of the Iban traditional costume. Bead of different colors are skillfully assembled to create designs and patterns that reflects the unique Iban heritage.

Marik Empang is actually an elaborate beaded collar worn by Iban maidens in most ceremonies and dances. It is believed to have been developed as a substitute to wearing layers of chunky beads which were heavy and uncomfortable.

This evolution took place in the early 20th century when barter traders to the village of Santubong brought about an influx of smaller and colorful beads. The beaded collar adds a richer and more vibrant texture to the overall Iban costume.

Burung Kenyalang, the Ceremonial Hornbill carving

The carving of Burung Kenyalang, regarded by the Iban tribe as the God of War, is the most sacred carving used to honor and commemorate the warriors and leaders in their community.

Statues of the hornbills are displayed as centre piece during the Gawai Kenyalang ceremonies along side with other rituals, bard or chanting as well as offerings. The carvings are also used in some ceremonial dances depicting victory and attainment.

Traditionally, only a proven warriors is allowed to fell the tree to be used for the carving the hornbill statue while the wood for the hornbill crest can only be cu by a warriors who has killed numerous enemies in a single expedition.

The statue becomes sacred after it has been consecrated in the Gawai Kenyalang ceremony, after which it will be respectfully displayed and receive offering in other