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The Iban people are the second largest ethnic group originating from Malaysia. They are found throughout Borneo, particularly in Sarawak. Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia. The group makes up 30% of the population of Sarawak. Other names for the Iban include Dayak, Dyak, and Sea Dayak. However, the name Sea Dayak is erroneous, as they originate upriver from the sea, in Kalimantan, and they traditionally populated areas next to rivers and streams. Their exceptional skills utilizing boats are what inspired the term Sea Dayak. The word Iban itself has a number of different meanings, but it is most widely known to mean "wanderer." Historically, the Iban were known as a tribe of headhunters and pirates and they were considered to be an aggressive group of people.

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Hello, my name is Jazmi Haziq bin Jamil from LG2431A but you can call me Jazmi. I am currently 21 years old and pursuing my degree in English for Intercultural Communication in UiTM Shah Alam . I had chosen traditional attire material as a cultural element for 5 culture that needed to be researched which is Kadazan, Melanau, Bidayuh, Iban and Baba and Nyonya. The reason why i had chosen traditional attire material is because it really interest me the most and I want to expose and promote the traditional dress and its material of races from Malaysia that are full of motifs, patterns and especially the history on how it was made.

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Kadazan

Who is the Kadazan people?

What is the traditional attire material of Kadazan?

References

Melanau

Who is the Melanau people?

What is the traditional attire material of Melanau

References

Bidayuh

Who is the Bidayuh people?

What is the traditional attire material of Bidayuh?

References

Iban

Who is the Iban people?

What is the traditional attire material of iban?

References

Baba and Nyonya

Who is the Baba and Nyonya people?

What is the traditional attire material of Baba and Nyonya?

References

Reflective Writing

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The Kadazandusun people are formed by the union of Sabah's two main ethnic groups, the Kadazan and the Dusun. Due to their shared language, culture, and political circumstances, a new term was created to unify these two groups: ‘Kadazandusun’. The Kadazandusun community is rich in unique cultural traditions, including their origins, legends, language, traditional attire, music, dances, and way of life

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The Melanau are considered among the earliest settlers in Sarawak. The name Melanau was not used by the Melanau to refer to themselves until recently. They call themselves a-likou meaning 'people of the river'. Legend has it that the name Melanau was given by one of the Sultans of Brunei to the inhabitants of the coastal swamp flats and riverbanks of central Sarawak.The Melanau are mostly farmers, fishermen, sago producers, and traders. Cultivation of sago palm, wet rice, coconut, and rubber supplements their economy. They are also regarded as being fine boat-builders and fishermen. They consider education a priority, and some Melanau have thrived in politics, business, and public life. The Melanau are described as open, friendly, outgoing, and non-aggressive people. They value their relationships with friends and family members. Gotong-royong 'mutual assistance' is still practiced, especially during weddings, funerals, and farming. Whenever someone dies, the dead person's personal belongings are buried together with the body. The peligin 'mourning period' usually lasts almost a month. Intermarriage among those of different religious beliefs is common and accepted.

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What is the traditional attire (material) of Melanau?

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What is the traditional attire (material) of Melanau?

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Melanau Men

The traditional Melanau costume for men is called the Baban. It closely resembles the Malay baju melayu, featuring a dark-colored satin fabric adorned with embroidered floral patterns, paired with a samping (waist wrap) made of golden orange brocade. Men also wear a sengkolon, a Javanese-inspired headdress, completing the ensemble with a kopiah Jawa (Javanese cap) and a chiffon scarf belted at the waist

In terms of clothing, Melanau men's clothing is made of black satin. Including the samping, the material is usually made from songket fabric. For the kopiah jawa, the fabric used can vary, such as mori cotton, batik cloth, or plain cloth.

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What is the traditional attire (material) of Kadazan?

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What is the traditional attire (material) of Kadazan?

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Kadazan Men

The traditional male attire of the Kadazan people is called Gaung. It's consist of Gaung, Souva, Kaking, Siga and Tupi' sinikat.

Gaung is Long-sleeved shirt which is made from carefully selected natural materials, reflecting both functionality and cultural symbolism. It's primary fabric is black velvet or satin The primary material is usually handwoven black velvet or silk satin, selected for its resilience and luxurious look. Traditionally, the color black has been associated with power and nobility, while the luster of satin or velvet signifies high status.

Souva ia a black trousers worn with waistband that is “toogot” and there are gold trimming on the seams along the hips for modern trousers. For the materials or farbric it is Cotton or hemp (togung) handwoven which is originally fashioned from hemp or locally spun cotton, it was stained black with natural dyes (such as mangrove bark or tarum indigo). However, Fabrics for Commercial Use (Post-19th Century) later, as a result of trade with China and Europe, imported black velvet or wool was used for elite clothing.

Kaking or toogot is a black waist sash. It's fabric base is
handwoven cotton (Togung) or hemp which is tightly woven for longevity and durability. The dyes used is Bakau (mangrove bark) or tarum (indigo) are natural sources of black dye.

Siga is a traditional head wear by Kadazan-Dusun male in Sabah. The traditional Kadazan Siga material is crafted using thin, flexible, and durable bamboo strips for the frame, rattan (locally known as togot) for binding and reinforcement, and natural fibers such as coconut leaves or tree bark strips for optional decorative elements."

Tupi' sinikat is a Circular hat of sturdy string made with the coil and tie technique to support the Siga.

Kadazan Women

The traditional women attire is called "Sinuangga". The base of the "Sinuangga" is usually made from black velvet fabric, which provides a rich and elegant background for the decorative elements. The velvet is often imported, as it was historically a traded commodity.

Silver and Gold Threads (Perak & Benang Emas). The "Sinuangga" are known for their intricate embroidery with gold and silver threads.

Beaded designs (Manik-Manik). The embroidery is enhanced by hand-sewn beads, which are normally glass beads but are occasionally substituted with plastic or sequins. Red, white, yellow, and green are frequently used bead hues, and they represent courage, purity, royalty, and fertility, respectively.

Some "Sinuangga" designs incorporate small brass or silver coins (historically old trade coins) as embellishments. These coins jingle when the wearer moves, adding a musical element to the attire.

Trimmings of satin and lace (Renda & Sutera). Occasionally, white lace is utilized to highlight the hemline or sleeves. Additional embellishment can be achieved by adding satin ribbons.

Bamboo or Rattan Accessories (Complementary Elements). While not part of the fabric itself, traditional accessories like the "togung" (wide-brimmed hat) or "himpogot" (waistband) may incorporate rattan or bamboo for structure.

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WHAT IS THE TRADITIONAL ATTIRE OF MELANAU?

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WHAT IS THE TRADITIONAL ATTIRE OF MELANAU?

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Melanau women

Melanau women's traditional attire, similar to the Malay "baju kurung", typically consists of a black satin blouse, a yellow songket sarong, a red embroidered chest decoration with a string pendant, and a Melanau golden headgear. Gold accessories are usually often used to add a touch of elegance to the outfit.

For the headgear, it is called "Terendak" is typically made from sago palm strips and leaves, reinforced with rattan strips. These materials are woven together to create the conical-shaped hat.

In terms of clothing, Satin fabric is usually used to make it.

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SARAWAK'S Bidayuh people, known as the 'People of the Land', stand as custodians of a rich cultural legacy. The Bidayuh are among the earliest indigenous groups of Borneo, with roots tracing back to Austronesian migrations that began around 4,000–5,000 years ago. They belong to the larger Dayak ethnic cluster and are closely related to other Bornean groups like the Iban and Orang Ulu.

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What is the traditional attire (material) of Bidayuh?

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What is the traditional attire (material) of Bidayuh?

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Bidayuh Men

The men wear a "tawuop" or "tahup" (long loin- cloth wrapped around the body with one end hanging down in front and the other at the back), the "burang sumba"(headgear), the "Rompi" which is a vest and occasionally the "kima"(armlets).

The "tawuop" or "tahup" material is usually made of blue cotton cloth with red, blue and white band at the end.

For the "burang sumba" which is headgear that worn by the Bidayuh people, its material is usually made of a red cloth with a narrow border of golden lace. Some men prefer to wear the blue headgear ending in three broad bands of red, blue and white. It can also be in red, black, yellow, white or even in all of those colours altogether but in a certain pattern.

For the "Rompi" which is a vest it's , the material used to make it is traditionally made from Tekalong tree bark, particularly the beaten bark fiber of the wild breadfruit tree (Artocarpus elasticus). These vests were often decorated with painted, stencilled, or appliquéd designs using cotton, shells, glass beads, or feathers. But due to modernization the modern material is usually made from cotton or satin depends on the designer.

The "Kima" which is armlets that are used by the Bidayuh people is made from teeth of wild animals as its material.

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What is the traditional attire (material) of Iban people?

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What is the traditional attire (material) of Iban people?

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Iban Men

The 'Baju Burung' is the name for traditional attire of men from the Iban ethnic group. The origin of the Baju Burung is believed to have been worn by brave and courageous Iban men. Men who wear this attire are called ‘Keling’. Keling is a symbol of the Iban people, representing a strong and handsome man.

The Lanjang or Ketapu is worn on the head. Ketapu in Iban mean hat. This Ketapu is made from rattan and woven according to individual preferred patterns. Once woven and painted, the Ketapu is adorned with bird feathers, such as those from the hornbill. The more feathers used, the more beautiful the Ketapu becomes.

The gagong, or baju burung, is worn by Iban men traditionally as a symbol of power and courage. It is a vest-like garment covered with shells, fine beadwork, and occasionally feathers or animal hair (e.g., hornbills). It's key material is made from woven cloth or animal skins. Meanwhile, The Baju Burung is a traditional male garment characterized by its vibrant red patterns. The attire is meticulously woven using the sungkit technique, resulting in an intricately crafted textile. Notably, the motifs adorning the Baju Burung bear resemblance to those found on pua kumbu ceremonial cloths. Gold thread is used in the sungkit weaving process to enhance the fabric's ornamental quality, further elevating the prestige of this ceremonial garment.

The sirat is a traditional male garment worn around the waist, extending downward to cover the thighs. It is secured by wrapping the fabric around the lower body in a manner that ensures both modesty and freedom of movement. The Iban people in ancient times always looked for forest products to make clothes, cloth and sirat. For example, the bark of 'Temeran' from 'Tekalung' wood is tied until it is smooth and fibrous and then made into sirat or baju tekalung. This sirat cloth is similar to 'pua kumbu' which is red. Sometimes beads and snail shells are also woven as decorations in this part.

Marik is also part of traditional men's clothing. Marik is embroidered using only beads. These beads have their own unique patterns. A few people use fangs as marik. The fangs are taken from wild animals such as pig fangs.

Terabai is an Iban war tool. Since there is no war anymore, this terabai is only used during the ngajat dance and to welcome guests (opening ceremony). In the past, terabai was made of hard and durable wood. The wood used to make this terabai was belian wood, selangan batu, keregis wood but now they only use light wood because it is easy to make carvings since there is no more war.

Traditional men's clothing would not be complete without weapons. These weapons were used as equipment while traveling, hunting animals and fighting. These weapons were used to train brave bachelors to defend the country. These weapons is called ‘Ilang’ and ‘Nyabor' which is made from steel for the blade and for the hilt it is made from deer antler or buffalo horn, carved with anthropomorphic designs. For the bindings, Rattan or brass wire are used for grip. The sheath is made from Lightweight meranti or belian, often blackened with soot.

Iban Women

Sugu Tinggi, is a traditional headgear that is worn by Iban maidens in most ceremonial occasion. It is a silver headgear that gives Iban maidens the unique poise and glitter while dancing the Ngajat Indu. Made mostly by Chinese silversmith, Sugu Tinggi is hand crafted with intricate motifs that depict flowers and other floral themes.

Marek Empang is an elaborate beaded collar worn by Iban maidens in most dances and ceremonies. Beads are a mystical item for the ethnic tribes in Sarawak, Borneo. They are considered as an item of status.

From the mid-section to the lower part of the body, the traditional woven skirt or Pua Kumbu called as Kain Karap / Kebat is worn, and the design and motive are similar to Malay's songket, decorated with traditional patterns of Iban, and embroidered with gold thread on the red cloth.

The Iban silver belt, known as lampit bebungai chingkei, consists of hollow rectangular links made from folded thin silver sheets, connected by hidden vertical silver wires. Its edges feature braided silver wire borders, while the ends have silver sheet enclosures with wire clasps that attach to a detachable decorative buckle, sometimes shaped like a tortoise shell (pala lampit kerubung kekura). It's material is basically silver only.

Bracelets, armlets and bangles (Tumpa’/Simpai /Gelang). Firstly is, "The Tumpa' pirak are constructed from folded interlocking clasps and repoussé geometric motifs such as diamonds and semicircles on beaten silver sheets. The larger Simpai pirak armlets also utilize beaten silver but more advanced relief-carved designs such as rosettes, spirals, and lines and are worn by both men and women. For the bracelets, the Gelang rakit/sapit occur in twisted silver forms with overlapping ends or spiral knobs secured by screw fasteners. Finally, the Pala' tumpa' are wide silver cuffs distinguished by their engraved floral designs and utilitarian side fastening devices."

Silver Anklets (Gelang Kaki) comes in varieties of plain, rope-twist and patterned anklets (gelang kaki) and sometimes decorated with bells. Gelang kaki berasuk are silver anklets made from coiled silver wire, overlapping at both ends and usually decorated with silver bells. Gelang kaki bebungai are silver anklets with tiny screw fastening, decorated with simple embossed designs. Gelang kaki peling are large hollow silver anklets with rope-twist designs and has fastenings. Gelang kaki alus are plain and smooth hollow silver anklets with fastening, worn by young girls.

The Sementing Buchai, also known as Sengkiling, is traditionally made of silver or rattan and decorated with silver coins, according to a study on Iban material culture. The raw material, Rawai, is sometimes made from silver or rattan and shaped into a circular form to fit the wearer's hips.

"Selampai" refers toa decorative sash worn by women, often as part of their traditional dress, which is also known as "ngepan indu". It's usually a long, woven cloth with intricate patterns, often embroidered or embellished with beads, and is worn around the waist or chest. It is typically made from woven cloth, often featuring intricate patterns and often dyed using natural pigments, including hand embroidery or beadwork.

Buah pauh/Chelapa bebungai, round silver boxes with lid and chain, are decorated with very fine floral, fish and bird motifs. It's basically made of silver.

Tali Mulung or known as Tali Ujan is an additional accessory to further enhance the aura and charm of the Ngepan Indu Iban wearer. The special feature of Tali Mulung is that it has fine silver flakes that are then joined together to form a long rope.

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Baba and Nyonya or Peranakan are descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to the Malay Archipelago in the 15th century. Nyonya refers to a Peranakan woman while Baba refers to a Peranakan man. From as early as the 16th century, as immigrants traveled from their home countries to Malaya, some began to adapt to the local culture and intermarry with the locals.

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What is the traditional attire (material) of Baba and Nyonya?

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What is the traditional attire (material) of Baba and Nyonya?

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Baba and Nyonya Men

The baju lok chuan or mandarin jacket is a traditional Chinese attire worn by babaas. It consists of a long sleeved silk jacket usually worn with a matching pair of loose fitting trousers. Silk is the traditional material, known for its luxurious feel and drape. While silk remains the traditional material, modern versions may also feature other fabrics like cotton or synthetic fabrics to enhance the design and make it more accessible.

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What is the traditional attire (material) of Baba and Nyonya?

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What is the traditional attire (material) of Baba and Nyonya?

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Baba and Nyonya (Women)

The Nyonya Kebaya is a traditional Malaysian attire, especially for the Baba-Nyonya group. That era was also the heyday of the Chinese Peranakans, a small group of Chinese traders who combined Chinese and Malay influences into their culture and lifestyle. This culture gave birth to the kebaya.

The fabric commonly used to make kebaya is called kasa rubia. This plain weave fabric is rare, light and made of fine twisted yarn. The thread used to sew the fabric is usually machine embroidery thread made of cotton, silk or polyester. In the past, the fabric and thread used were of the highest quality and imported from Europe and befitting the status of Nyonya.

The batik sarung which is the lower part of the outfit is made made from cotton fabric that has been dyed using the wax-resist method known as batik.

The kerongsang complements the Nyonya kebaya which is worn over a batik sarung, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to the wearer’s overall look. The traditional material for Baba and Nyonya kerongsang (brooches) is metal, often alloyed with gold, silver, or other precious metals. They are typically adorned with various embellishments like stones, pearls, and other decorative elements, and are used to secure the closure of the kebaya.

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What is the traditional attire (material) of Bidayuh

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What is the traditional attire (material) of Bidayuh

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Bidayuh Women

The traditional Bidayuh costume set for women comprises the short-sleeved or sleeveless blouse (Jipo pendek), ‘jomuh’ (skirt), and matching accessories such as the ‘selapai’ (sash), ‘pangiah’ (bead necklace), ‘porik’ (copper/ metal belt) and ‘sipiah’ (headgear).

For the short-sleeved or sleeveless blouse (Jipo pendek) its material is the same with ‘jomuh’ (skirt) which is satin that are used as base material.

For the accessories such as "selapai" (sash), it is made from satin and songket.

Meanwhile, for the ‘pangiah’ (bead necklace) it's material is high quality ceramic beads and the teeth of wild animals.

For the "Porik" which is belt that are made from copper or metal.

Next is ‘Sipiah’ (headgear). This headgear is made from a velvet cloth, kain burudu to fit snugly over the head like a cap. Trailing from the back portion of the "Sipiah" is a broad tail piece of cloth about five inches in width.  This piece of cloth is sewn onto the "Sipiah".  The "sipiah" is decorated with lace, coins, or beads, which matched the rest of the costume.  Another type of "Sipiah" is made of cotton cloth.  It has alternating segments of black, red and white materials.