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EIC404: Cultural Perspectives in Malaysia Assessment 1: E-Portfolio

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EIC404: Cultural Perspectives in Malaysia Assessment 1: E-Portfolio

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NAME: HUSNA SHAFIRAH BINTI HELMIRIZAL
STUDENT ID: 2022964043

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Tangkong -  This accessory with 84 to 98 small brass rings and one shell disk which are binded by a rattan string is worn as belt in a pair of three along with the Himpogot. Tangkong is one of the accessories  which complements the Kadazandusun tradition outfit. Tangkong is the symbol of wealth among kadazandusun ethnics and kept as a family heirloom and passed from one generation to another.

Cost

- Original Tangkong can cost from RM1000 up to RM8000
- The value of Tangkong increases along with its age. The older and dull looking it is, the higher the price.
- Brass rings are not polished as the rust will show the age of the Tangkong.

Subtle Message in Tangkong

- If the rattan binding the rings in Tangkong is red in colour, then the wearer is an unwedded woman.
- If the rattan binding the rings in Tangkong is black in colour, then the wearer is a married woman.

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This thing can be more expensive than some LV bags and diamond rings. It is Tangkong, the hip belt worn by Kadazandusun females in their traditional costumes (Kadazan and Dusun are the largest indigenous group in Sabah). Usually Tangkong is in a set of 3. Each belt consists of about 84 to 98 brass rings and one shell disk strung together by rattan.

Normally the price of a jewelry such as gold and gem is measured by its weight and clarity. However, the value of Tangkong increases as it ages. Tangkong can cost thousands if it's an antique passed down for many generations and looks really oxidized, as if the less shiny it is, the higher its worth. It's always kept as heirloom because of its sentimental value, so it's hard to find an old Tangkong even if you have money. I saw one which was for sale for RM8,000 (≈US$2,400) last week!

Pic: Tangkong is also worn together with a set of maximum three Himpogot, the "silver coin" belt, as a display of personal wealth. Himpogot belt is about RM150 each.

Wearing Tangkong is a sign of wealth. Fun fact: when a gong is worn out and no longer usable, it would be melted to make Tangkong. Before the rings are assembled on the rattan ring, the maker would pray and recite certain messages as a simple ritual to inform the universe of his intention and request for wisdom and strength to complete his task, so the making of this Tangkong is blessed. This is the traditional way of making Tangkong.

Pic: the typical way how Tangkong is worn in traditional Kadazan Penampang costume. The brass rings are not polished to let the rust shows its age. Tangkong is probably an accessory unique to Kadazandusun culture because I never see it in other Borneo tribes.

Pic: Tangkong is also an important part of traditional costumes of Dusun from Ranau, Tambunan, Pitas, Kota Marudu, etc. Unduk Ngadau (Miss Harvest Festival) always wears the best collection for beauty pageant.

Tangkong is quite heavy, normal girls will feel tired if they have 3 to 5 Kg extra weight on their hip for long hours, so you may not see them wearing Tangkong in casual occasions. During grand celebrations and wedding, Tangkong is almost a must for a classic beauty look.

I don't know why Tangkong can make Kadazandusun girls look more elegant, probably it gives a subtle hint on feminine curve, or it makes them move slower (and gracefully). 🙂

Now let's play a guessing game. Just now I mentioned I saw a Tangkong with selling price of RM8,000. Can you spot which one it is (see photo above)? Don't scroll down for answer right away ok.

Did you guess the silver one? No, it's the cheapest, only RM650 (still a lot of cash though), may be made of iron.

The golden one? Nope. It's RM850, factory made with alloy material.

Here you go. This old Tangkong is worth RM8,000 (for a set of three). Quite surprising right because of its dull appearance? As I said, aged Tangkong is more expensive. It belongs to Stanis from Inobong, whom I met in Kaamatan celebration (Harvest Festival) in KDCA. Please e-mail me for his mobile phone number if you are interested in buying Tangkong from him.

Pic: If you look closely at this antique Tangkong, no two brass rings look the same, because they were all individually made by hand. Unlike "manufactured" Tangkong today, all brass rings look the same, and it is only half the weight of a traditional Tangkong.

FYI, if the rattan of Tangkong is red color, the wearer is a single, black if she is married.

You also can buy Tangkong at Tamu (weekly open-air native market) in Sabah, or you can rent it from Sabah Cultural Board (Lembaga Kebudayaan Sabah). The rental fee is about RM105 per belt (a set of 3 is RM315 in total then). Traditional way of making Tangkong is vanishing. If you own any old Tangkong from your great grandmother, please take good care of it, as it is irreplaceable and a priceless gift.

Please feel free to share your Tangkong photo in comment section below. ^_^
Photos taken in Sabah, Malaysia Borneo

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Tangkong, timeless accessory of Kadazan Dusun costumes - MySabah.com

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This thing can be more expensive than some LV bags and diamond rings. It is Tangkong, the hip belt worn by Kadazandusun females in their ...

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Himpogot - This belt which is also worn as a pair of three along with the Tangkong is made of actual coins (old borneo currency, old chinese currency, french currency and etc.) which are binded together with small chains. Like Tangkong, Himpogot also complements the Kadazandusun traditional outfit.

Cost

- Himpogot price can range from RM150 to thousands of ringgit but the average price is around RM184.
- The original Himpogot (made of silver coins) is pricier than the fake ones (made of stainless steel).
- New British Silver can also be used to produce new Himpogot and sold after the price increased and the Himpogot is considered antique (usually after several years).

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This padlet is dedicated to accomplice the EIC404: Cultural Perspectives in Malaysia Assessment 1 as well as to appreciate the accessories produced and worn traditionally by different ethnicities in Malaysia. Through this padlet, you will be introduced to several accessories and jewelries adorned by each ethnics and explore their appreciation of different materials like silver, brass, shellfishes and many more.  The ethnics that we will be focusing on are as listed.

1. The Iban of Sarawak
- Largest ethnic of Sarawak
- Communal society which commonly live together in longhouses

2. The Bidayuh Semban of Sarawak
- Sub-ethnic of Bidayuh (2nd largest ethnic of Sarawak)
- Their original settlement is in Kampung Semban, Padawan, Sarawak

3. The Rungus of Sabah
- Settled in the North Borneo area of Sabah
- Sub-ethnic of the larger Dusun ethnicity
- Their settlement are traditionally located by the sea

4. The Kadazandusun of Sabah
- The largest ethnic of Sabah
- Sub-ethnic varies according to the location of their settlement
- Popular with their beauty pageant, Unduk Ngadau

5. The Bateq of the Peninsular Malaysia
- One of the indigenous tribe living in peninsular Malaysia
- Some still practicing the nomadic lifestyle and some settled in small villages
- Settlements range from the central rainforest of Pahang to to rainforest of Kelantan

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Bateq Comb - It is a hair accessory that is made from bamboo. Although it is called "comb" this accessories does not only serve as a comb, but it also act like a hair band or hair clip for Bateq women.

Characteristic

- Made of wood or bamboo that is carved into thicker blades of comb (compared to commercial comb)
- Usually comprises of twelve blades or according to the size of head of the wearer

Traditional Symbolic

- According to the older generation of the Bateq people, the practice is said to mimic the accessories worn by a beautiful maiden or goddess who resides in the forest.

Vanishing Tradition

- In the modern age, the Bateq women have open access to comercial accessories product such as comercial comb, therefore the usage of Bateq Comb could vanish in near future with the competition.

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Sikat, penyepit rambut wanita Orang Asli etnik Bateq, tradisi kian lenyap

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JERANTUT: Sikat dan penyepit rambut diperbuat daripada buluh atau kayu yang menjadi hiasan di kepala golongan wanita kaum Orang Asli etnik Bateq di sini merupakan tradisi yang makin dilupakan dan kian hilang ditelan zaman.

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Photo By George Brill, www.georgebrill.co.uk

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1. The Bateq people reflects their love for flora by turning them into natural ornaments. Wild flower garlands, earrings, and head pieces are among the many way they adorn the natural resources.

2. They also did not name the natural ornaments with specific name and the natural ornaments are not preserved. Once the ornament wilt, they will replace it with a new one as their resource for the beautiful ornaments are generously gifted to them by the nature.

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Photo Retrieved from the article, The Traditional Shell Artefact Production in Northern Sabah, Sabah Society Journal Vol. 33 

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Rungus' Tinggol Necklace: The Bead and Shellfish Necklace 

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Rungus' Tinggol Necklace: The Bead and Shellfish Necklace 

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Tinggol Necklace - It is a type of necklace that is produced from organic ingredients such as wild plant beads and snail shell. Tinggol necklace are not only worn on special ocassion, but also on regular basis.

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Sulau sold in an online shop, lisaomar on Shoppe (Photo by lisaomar, shoppee.com.my)

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Rungus' Sulau: Beaded Necklace with Shell Disk

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Rungus' Sulau: Beaded Necklace with Shell Disk

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Sulau - It is a necklace which is decorated with plastic beads and a disc locket that is made with the kima (giant clam) shell. Sulau is often seen worn with the full set traditional attire of the Rungus community especially during festivals.

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Bidayuh Semban Copper Ring: Rasung and Ruyang

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Bidayuh Semban Copper Ring: Rasung and Ruyang

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1. Rasung / Rasung'k - A long copper ring which encircled the leg closely with uniform diameter. Approximately 4 to 5 inches long.

2. Ruyang/ Ruyang'k - Similar copper ring which encircled the arm from the wrist until the forearm. Approximately 3 inches long.

Characteristic

- Not removable by nature (unlike normal bangle)
- Permanently worn until it is time to change them (usually due to normal body growth)
- Can weigh up to 3 to 4kg according to the density of copper
- These accessories are not only worn to adorn the body, but to shape the leg and arm  and make them slimmer.

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Ngepan Acessories sold in an online shop, dellongijez on Shoppe (Photo by dellongijez, shoppee.com.my)

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List of Accessories in Set:

1. Tuchuk Sanggul or Silver Bun Stick (top left)
2. Sugu Tinggi or Silver Headgear (top middle)
3. Buah Pauh or Silver Purse (centre)
4. Gerunchung Kaki or Silver Anklet (top right)
5. Tumpa Bentuk or Silver Bangle (bottom)

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Ngepan Indu Tradition and the Artifacts of Biah Anak Anji

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Ngepan Indu Tradition and the Artifacts of Biah Anak Anji

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Definition of Ngepan

Ngepan in Iban, carries the meaning of "attire" or set of clothing. In the Iban culture, there are two type of Ngepan which are Ngepan Indu and Ngepan Laki. Ngepan Indu are inspired by the image of Dewi Kumang who is pretty and good at housework and Ngepan Laki is inspired by the image of Dewa Keling who is a great Ibanese fighter. Silver ornaments are considered a must have item in Iban attire.

The Collection of Biah Anak Anji

Biah Anak Anji's Collection is the representation of the culture of keeping silver ornaments as family heirloom and treasure in Iban Culture. Despite moving several times in her lifetimes to avoid the attack of Iban (inter tribal attack) her collection were carried along with her as a treasured items. Having these heirloom symbolises high status in Iban culture and her collection during her lifetime were preserved and passed down to her descendants.

Silver Ornaments in Her Collection

1. Tuchuk Sanggul (Silver Bun Stick)
2. Sugu Tinggi (Silver Headgear)
3. Sementing Ringgit (Coin Corset with Dangling Coins)
4. Rawai Pirak (Silver Corset)
5. Lampit Pirak (Silver Belt)
3. Buah Pauh (Silver Purse)
4. Gerunchung Kaki (Silver Anklet)
5. Tumpa Bentuk or (Silver Bangle)

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Historical Background of the Use of Silver  

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Historical Background of the Use of Silver  

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Silver Acquisition

1. Silver are imported into Sarawak during the British occupation in which most of them are imported in the form of bars (ingot), and European coins. The main purpose of silver import was originally for trading purposes such as coin minting. In 1831, the British introduced the trade dollar which serves as the trading currency across the Straits Settlements. Iban people trade their forest harvest in exchange to silver.

Traditional Minting and Silversmith Industries for Iban Accessories

1. Maloh Silversmith

The Maloh people are famous for their silver minting craftsmanship across the people of Borneo. They provided silver minting services to the Iban in exchange with Ibanese woven textiles. The Maloh Silversmith are very familiar with the Iban decorative motives despite coming from a different background. The Maloh Silversmith would usually settle in the longhouse and build his forge to do the silverwork for the community for months long.

Motives: Traditional Iban motives (floral and patterns)
Technique: Engraving  and embossing motives on silver surface. (shallow relief)

2. Chinese Silversmith

The Ibanese also acquire ready made silver accessories like silver belt through the Chinese silversmith in bazaar. The Chinese silverwork focused more on Chinese traditional motives which is equally loved by the Iban community. However, to appeal to the Iban market, the Chinese smiths also follow the Maloh to produce other Iban traditional accessories as well.

Motives: Traditional Chinese Motives with beasts: Dragon, Phoenix, Insects, Frog, Birds and etc.
Technique: Silver repousse (thicker designs, less engraving, deeper relief)

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The Ring Ladies - The nickname given to the last group of the women of Semban who still upholds the tradition of wearing Rasung'k and Ruyang'k

Origin or Ruyang'k and Rasung'k

The origin of the tradition remained unknown but the, but in the olden days, the set of ring were exchanged with traders with barter system. One set will cost them one mature pig.

Practice of Wearing the Rings

1. The ring is put on a young lady of Semban at the age of maturity (usually 10 years old). It symbolises the coming of age for teenage girls.

2. The coil will be change as the girl grow up and some of the ladies of Semban had changed their ring six times in their lifetime.

Social Pressure on Ringless Ladies (in the olden days)

1. On festivals, only ladies who had worn the rings could dance, perform, and have fun.

2. Ringless ladies would find it difficult to have husband and start a family.

Restrictions and Limitations

1. The ring ladies usually face difficulties to move when they climb hills. The ring also weight a lot and cause distortion on their legs and arm.

2. When farming, the copper conducts heat and burns the skin during extended sun exposure.

Demise of Culture

1. When education was introduced to the younger generation, schools prohibited the girls from going to school wearing the rings.

2. Relocation of village also causes a lot of the original practitioner from Semban village to remove their rings (in some cases, due to geographical restriction like steep hills).

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SITUATED 40km from Kuching, nestled among the mountains of Banjaran Bungo Range and seated on a hilltop 310m above sea level, the more than 300-year-old Kampung Semban is better known as "a paradise in the cloud."

However, what sets it apart from many other scenic and pictureque villages 'sitting in the cloud' is its ring ladies.

These traditional Semban ladies wearing the ruyang and rusung are the embodiment of the remaining distinctive culture of the Semban, a sub-tribe of the Bidayuhs.

Ruyang and rasung are copper coiled rings worn on the forearms and calves respectively.

There are only a handful of them left. In 2010, there were eight. Last year, there were six and this year until January 20, there were only four.

The lamentation of security and development committee (JKKK) deputy chairman Sagen Adem, 54, that "10 years down the road, the culture of rings wearing will disappear completely" is, thus, acute and understandable.

The Semban ladies started putting on the rings at various ages - some as young as 10 while others older, depending on their parents and their parents' financial standing.

These coiled rings which look golden but not made of gold, are a mixture of copper and brass. Despite so, they were not cheap, especially in the old days when demand was high and the rings were only available when travelling vendors brought them into the village after trekking for hours through a jungle, green padi fields, rivers, waterfalls and countless bamboo steps.

No one knew where these coiled ornaments came from. When batter trade was still in practice back then, a big mature pig was needed to exchange for a set of ruyang or rasung.

So for ring lady Kusan Ganyai, who estimated her own age to be 80, her ruyang and rasung meant two mature pigs, costing about RM1,400 today.

That was not all. As Semban girls started wearing the rings as young as 10, they had to change to a bigger ones while growing up. To date, Kusan has made three ring changes, costing her in total six big pigs.
Beauty precedes all
In the beginning, it was painful putting on the rings and all the ring ladies grew up with atrophied limbs. However, like most women, beauty precedes everything and the pain was worth it.

What is even more amazing is that the wearers do not take off the rings when doing their daily chores. The rings have become part of their daily dressing up.

The Semban womenfolk till the padi fields under the scotching sun with the rings on and they also wear them when showering in the cold mountain water pumped into their house through gravity feed.

To reduce friction, leaves of any plants are placed between the rings and the calves or the forearms. Kusan uses citrus fruit juice to clean and polish the rings so that they continue to shine like gold.

The Sembans, as a sub-tribe of the bigger Bidayuh society which have generally been egalitarian in nature, do not impose wearing of the rings on their fair sex. It has been the choice of the girls themselves.
Sweet and innocent
Apart from being a symbol of status and beauty, there is much more to wearing the rings.

The practice which has been around for centuries, was actually paganistic in nature. In the old days, according to pagan customs, only girls with the rings were allowed to attend festive ceremonies and do the rejang - the eagle dance.

"Only ring girls were allowed to dance during festive celebrations. It was a shame for a girl without rings to dance - that was why all the girls wore them even though no one forced them to.

"I wanted to be at all the festivals. Festivals meant fun and I wanted to have fun. That was why I put on the rings," said Kusan, who, despite her advanced age and having one granddaughter, still appears sweet and innocent - like a young girl.

As wearing the rings was a symbol of beauty, "ringless" girls would have difficulty finding a husband. Though no force was involved, girls of the village chose to wear the rings due to social pressure.

"Anyway, we don't feel complete as women if we don't wear the rings. Wearing them makes us complete," Kusan said.

Even today when the ring culture has been abandoned by most, Kusan still believes these traditional ornaments enhance her beauty. For this reason, she will not take them off - apart from the fact that the wearing and taking off process is tedious, requiring a day to do each.
Other ornamental gadgets
There are many other ornamental gadgets for a Semban woman. And everyday, Kusan puts on her colourful beaded necklace called tumbih which she made herself.

Hidden underneath her tee-shirt was another piece of ornament she wears daily - the sising wii or ring belt.

"We Semban women wear them to keep our waistline slim. We wear them also because they make us look pretty," Kusan beamed.

The original sising wii is made of some wire material and copper rings. However, as the practice of wearing this ring belt is vanishing, Kusan, who could not find the original item, is making do with something similar - a stainless steel shower hose.

There are two other important ornaments that Kusan only wears at special functions - a headgear called bulang toko, made of colourful beads, and a sash called kain hgumban.

Traditionally, Semban women like their Bidayuh counterparts, wear black skirts with embroidery. As there is no tradition of wearing undergarments, a Semban woman always makes sure she sits properly - either slanting both legs to one side or stretch them out to full length.

This posture makes Kusan look sweet and ladylike. To her and Bidayuh men, a Semban woman sitting cross-legged is considered rude, crude and impolite.
Preserving traditional culture
Sagen has commented that the Semban culture is one of the best and most elaborate among all the sub-tribes of the Bidayuhs. And he is right.

To the (JKKK) deputy chairman, Kampung Semban, with its 59 houses and 450 villagers, means more than just home. It is the last stronghold of the Semban culture.

Though having only six years of primary education, Sagen, who has been operating a homestay, is a far-sighted village leader with a mission to preserve whatever remnants of traditional culture Kampung Semban still retains.

So much has been lost - the last warrior and his dance as well as the witch doctor and his cure.

Sagen's grandfather Nyitab Pa'an (1870-1975) was a warrior who had used his penat (machete) to behead a troublemaker trespassing into the village.

Nyitab was also a dukun (shaman) and a tuan gawai (chief ceremonial master) who healed the sick and spelt out the roles of the villagers during celebrations at their baruk (traditional Bidayuh hut for celebration and keeping skulls). He commanded respect in the village.

Sagen is now in possession of what Nyitab had left him - a penat, a hmenggak (dukun's necklace) made of various objects Nyitab dreamt of such as wild boar tasks and a bebet (warrior necklace) made of seashells and leopard teeth.

However, to preserve their culture, Sagen and any other Semban men cannot simply use the penat, put on the bebet and do the warrior dance. Those who have not killed before are forbidden to do these things. In essence, the traditional culture of the male Semban is lost.

All Sagen can hope to do now is to keep the ring culture alive because he knows it will also die out if not properly preserved.

One cannot blame him. Last year, there were wearers like Kusan, Jiwa Sapa, Tawud Luhan, Peluk Apeh, Jaen Jang and Ranyu Daee.

This year, the oldest of them, Peluk decided to take the rings off because of her faith while Jaen Jang did the same albeit for a different reason - her husband, whom she wore the rings to please, had passed away.

"The youngest among them, Jiwa Sapa, took off her rings when visiting her children in Johor Bahru. But she is willing to put them back on when she returns," Sagen said with relief.
Demise of ring tradition
The advent of education heralded the disappearance of the ring tradition. Education brought something new like enlightenment and knowledge but at the same time, it also killed something old like the traditional practices of the villagers.

"Education was introduced into our village in 1969. We went to school and the girls were told not to wear the rings to schools. Most took them off. After a while, there were fewer and fewer wearers," Sagen recalled.

Although outsiders and the older generation of Semban men and women still consider wearing the rings a beautiful and delightful practice, the younger generationdo not find it impressive.

Retaining the ring culture now appears the least concern of the villagers, including Kusan, who, despite her love for the ornaments, will not force her only daughter or her granddaughter (who is now 24) to wear them.

"If the culture is vanishing, let it be. What is there to do," she asked.

The remark irked Sagen.

"It's this indifferent attitude that dooms our culture. Yes, the Semban people are easy going but they are also without principles and will go along with anything.

"Kampung Semban is the only village in Sarawak where the ring ladies are found. Ten years down the road, Semban cultures, including the ring culture, will disappear totally.

"We will assimilate into the bigger Bidayuh tribe of Samadan, especially after relocation to the Bengoh Resettlement Area," Sagen lamented.
Relocation of villages
Due to the kampung's high altitude, the areas around it have been chosen as the site for the construction of the Bengoh Dam which will be used as a catchment area for Kuching city.

Impoundment is expected within this year, and before that, 1,600 villagers will be relocated to the new resettlement site. Kampung Semban is affected along with three other villages - Kampung Rejoi, Kampungg Taba Sait and Kampung Pain Bujong.

Anticipating the relocation, Sagen is concerned not only with the demise of ring culture but also the culture of Semban people as a whole, including the spirit of hospitality and inter-communal cordiality.

However, he has managed to persuade his sister Sendeng, 51, to wear the coiled rings after her husband retired from his present job.

"I believe once someone starts putting them on again, many will follow suit - that's usually what happens in our village," Sagen said.

One can only hope the colourful culture of the Sembans will prevail despite the surge of modernity, and continue to flourish at the Bengoh Resettlement Area.

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Last of the ring ladies - Borneo Post Online

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SITUATED 40km from Kuching, nestled among the mountains of Banjaran Bungo Range and seated on a hilltop 310m above sea level, the more than 300-year-old Kampung Semban is better known as "a paradise in the cloud." However, what sets it apart from many other scenic and pictureque villages 'sitting in the cloud' is its ring ladies.

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1.0 Iban of Sarawak
1.1 Ibanese Ngepan Accessories Set
1.2 Ngepan Indu Tradition and the Artifacts of Biah Anak Anji
1.3 Historical Background of the Use of Silver
1.4 References

2.0 Bidayuh Semban of Sarawak
2.1 Bidayuh Copper Ring: Rasung and Ruyang
2.2 The Ring Ladies
2.3 Interview with The Ring Ladies
2.4 References

3.0 Rungus of Sabah
3.1 Rungus' Tinggol Necklace: The Bead and Shellfish Necklace
3.2 Rungus' Sulau: Beaded Necklace with Shell Disk
3.3 The Raw Materials of Sulau and Tinggol
3.4 References

4.0 Kadazandusun of Sabah
4.1 Tangkong: Brass Rings Belt
4.2 Himpogot: The Money Belt
4.3 Tangkong and Himpogot Worn During Unduk Ngadau (Kadazandusun Beauty Pageant)
4.4 References

5.0 Bateq of the Peninsular Malaysia Forest
5.1 Bateq Comb
5.2 Wild Flowers and Leaves Ornament
5.3 The Appreciation of Bateq Community Through Videography
5.4 Floral Accessories During Flower Festival
5.5 References

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Tangkong and Himpogot Worn During Unduk Ngadau (Kadazandusun Beauty Pageant) 

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Tangkong and Himpogot Worn During Unduk Ngadau (Kadazandusun Beauty Pageant) 

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In this video, we can see the contestant of Unduk Ngadau who came from different districts adorning their specific kadazandusun sub-ethnic attires. However, the wearing of Himpogot and Tangkong sets remained universal across the ethnic.

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PAKAIAN TRADISI UNDUK NGADAU KADAZAN DUSUN  SABAH BORNEO 2021

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The Appreciation of Bateq Community Through Videography

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The Appreciation of Bateq Community Through Videography

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This video by a British anthropologist, George Brill shows the beauty of the culture unlike other ethnics in Malaysia. Although their accessories are not as dandy, shiny, or long lasting like other ethniques, their appreciation of beauty is apparent in their daily activities. In the video, the Bateq people could be seen adorning floral ornaments and Bateq Comb.

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Kiyai @ Keai, G., & Tugang, N. (2020). PENELITIAN KOLEKSI AKSESORI PERAK NGEPAN INDU “BIAH ANAK ANJI” DALAM KONTEKS BUDAYA BENDA MASYARAKAT IBAN. Asian People Journal (APJ), 3(2), 169–180. https://doi.org/10.37231/apj.2020.3.2.202

Noel, J. & Tun Jugah Foundation. (2013). Silver Costume, Ornaments and Coins Accessories Worn by Iban Women. TunJugahFoundation.Org.My. https://tunjugahfoundation.org.my/v2/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Silver-costume-ornaments-and-coins-accessories-worn-by-Iban-women.pdf

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Raw Materials for Tinggol Necklace

1. Tudtul Shells

- Collect the tudtul shellfish (dead or alive)
- Remove the flesh from the shell
- Wash with warm water and bleaching agent
- Pierce hole at the apex of the shell
- Ground the shell on  a sandstone slab to smoothen shell apex

2. Igius Beads

- Collect igiu beads
- Dry the beads in the sun
- Pierce hole by using a needle

3. Tomburon Shells (rarely used because of the decline in population in Sabah coast)

To form Tinggol necklace, the material are bounded with a catgut string in the repeated arrangement pattern of one tudtul after two to three igius beads.

Raw Material for Sulau Disc

1. Giant Kima Shell

- Collect the clam or shell in beach area between big rocks
- Grind the side of kima shell with a slab of sandstone until it became a circular disc
- Make a hole in the centre of the disc by using bundadai (traditional hole driller)
- The hole will be used to attach beaded necklace to the sulau disc

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New Knowledge Through the Interview

1. The ring ladies are decreasing in number due to modernisation. When they relocated from their original village, there where 8 of them. But some of them passed away due to old age and some had to stop wearing the heavy ring due to old age. At present there were only 3 ring ladies left.

2. Rasung'k and Ruyang'k are not inheritable like heirloom. When the wearer dies, the Rasung'k and Ruyang'k will be buried together.

3. In the olden days, the copper rings are obtained through traders, but nowadays, the can get it from a hardware store with their desired diameter and density.

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Ring Ladies, Sarawak - Kr Karishma interviews The Ring Ladies

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Floral Accessories During Flower Festival

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Floral Accessories During Flower Festival

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This video is taken during the celebration of Flower Festival of the Bateq People. The Bateq women could be seen dancing while wearing floral head decoration and sash made of leaves and decorated with small flowers.

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MySabah.com. (2016, May 2). Tangkong, timeless accessory of Kadazan Dusun costumes. https://www.mysabah.com/wordpress/tangkong/

MySabah.com. (2017, June 5). Himpogot, the money belt. https://www.mysabah.com/wordpress/himpogot-silver-belt-of-kadazan-dusun/

Anick, S. (2021, June 8). PAKAIAN TRADISI UNDUK NGADAU KADAZAN DUSUN SABAH BORNEO 2021 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgUFDaZ4Bdo&feature=youtu.be

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In this video, we can see how sulau is made in the modern days with a conch instead of giant clam and modern equipment like electronic grinder to replace the traditional stone grinding technique.

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Tutorial membuat perhiasan pakaian Tradisional Suku Kaum Rungus_SULAU.

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Cheng, L. (2013, January 26). Last of the ring ladies. Borneo Post Online. https://www.theborneopost.com/2013/01/27/last-of-the-ring-ladies/

Megamovie Sdn Bhd. (2021, February 9). Ring Ladies, Sarawak - Kr Karishma interviews The Ring Ladies [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBV66f46UL8&feature=youtu.be

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Ahmad, H. (2021, November 14). Sikat, penyepit rambut wanita Orang Asli etnik Bateq, tradisi kian lenyap. Utusan Digital. https://www.utusan.com.my/terkini/2021/11/tradisi-orang-asli-bateq-kian-lenyap/

Brill, G. (2019, February 24). Batek | People of the rainforest [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXcU1XfZniQ&feature=youtu.be

W. [Wild Dome]. (2020, May 19). Orang Asli Bateq - Sewang Pesta Bunga [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wN8b2g3Ph4&feature=youtu.be

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Albert, D., Bujeng, V., & Chia, S. (2017). Traditional Shell Artefact Production in Northern Sabah. Sabah Society Journal, 33, 45–55. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320427661_Traditional_Shell_Artefact_Production_in_Northern_Sabah

R. [Rungus Kraf]. (2020, May 16). Tutorial membuat perhiasan pakaian Tradisional Suku Kaum Rungus_SULAU. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ934I0gSnc&feature=youtu.be