Iban people

The Iban are a Dayak sub-ethnic group native to Borneo, primarily found in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, Brunei and parts of West Kalimantan, Indonesia. They are one of the largest groups among the broader Dayak peoples, a term historically used to describe the indigenous communities of Borneo. The Iban are best known for their rich cultural traditions, which include distinctive practices in agriculture, music, weaving and social organisation.

Historically, the Iban were known for their warrior culture, which was a central element of their societal structure and spiritual beliefs until the early 20th century. The Iban's traditional social units are based around longhouses, which serve as communal living spaces for extended families. In terms of agriculture, the Iban have long practiced shifting cultivation, particularly of rice, as well as hunting and gathering.

The Iban trace their origins to the Kapuas basin in Kalimantan Barat, specifically the Ketungau tributary which is considered their ancestral land prior to their migration into the territory of modern-day Sarawak from the middle of the 16th century. Their migration was influenced by factors such as tribal conflict, territorial expansion and the search for fertile land. Central to their cultural and spiritual identity is Tembawai Tampun Juah, located in the Segumon region of Sanggau, West Kalimantan, which is considered the symbolic birthplace of the Iban people.

Under the colonial administration of the Brooke family in the 19th century, the Iban played an important role in military campaigns, where they were recruited as soldiers and contributed to the defense of Sarawak and later, Malaysia. Over time, their migratory culture extended beyond Borneo, leading to the establishment of visible diaspora communities in Peninsula Malaysia.

In the contemporary context, the Iban remain a prominent ethnic group in Sarawak, constituting 28.8% of the total population. Despite the influences of modernisation, they have preserved a strong cultural identity. The Iban continue to uphold traditional practices, including their language, Pua Kumbu weaving and ceremonial music, while also participating actively in the region's contemporary social and economic spheres.

Etymology

Before the establishment of the Raj of Sarawak in 1841, the term "Iban" was used by neighboring groups to describe the people who would later call themselves Iban. At that time, the Iban did not use the term "Iban" for themselves. Instead, they identified by the rivers they lived near, such as Kami Saribas (We of the Saribas River), Kami Skrang (We of the Skrang River), or Kami Sebuyau (We of the Sebuyau River). They also used names based on where they lived to show their regional ties.

The word "Iban" is thought to have come from the Kayan word hivan, meaning "wanderer." The Kayan people used this term to describe Iban pioneers because of their moving ways. This name was mostly used in the area of the Rejang River and was not known to other groups until the mid-1800s.

Before the 19th century, people from outside often called non-Malay indigenous groups in Borneo "Dyaks" or "Dayaks". James Brooke, the first Rajah of Sarawak, used the term "Sea Dayak" to describe the Iban, differentiating them from the "Land Dayaks" like the Bidayuh. This showed the Iban’s moving river life compared to the more settled life of other Dayak groups.

Over time, especially after World War II, the name "Iban" became widely accepted by the people themselves and is now the common term used to refer to the group, especially in Sarawak.

History

Pre-19th century: early origin and cultural development

The Iban people have a rich history that has been passed down through stories, special wooden plaques, and cultural traditions. These sources share important details about where the Iban people came from and how they settled in new places.

A key part of Iban identity is their strong connection to their ancestral homeland. One important place is Tembawai Tampun Juah, found in the Segumon region of Sanggau, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. According to Iban stories, this was the first place where the Iban people settled after moving away from their ancestors. This site is very important to the Iban people and helps them remember their past.

The Iban also believe their origins are tied to the Kapuas region in West Kalimantan, especially near the Ketungau tributary. This area is seen as where early Iban leaders and communities began. Starting in the mid-1500s, the Iban moved to Sarawak because of conflicts and the search for good land to live on. Important places along their journey included Melanjan in the Kapuas Valley, Pangkalan Tubau near where Kalimantan and Sarawak meet, and Lubok Antu, their first big settlement in Sarawak. The story of their move includes leaders like Lau Moa and chiefs such as Ambau, Mawar Biak, and Mawar Tuai, who guided them to new lands. This journey is remembered through wooden plaques and Iban stories, which remain important today.

A well-known figure in these stories is Sengalang Burung. According to Iban traditions, he and his followers first lived along the Kapuas River in southwestern Borneo. His grandson, Sera Gunting, later led the Iban further west into the Tiang Laju Range, now part of Sarawak. It is said that Sengalang Burung met with his followers at Merakai, a small river of the Kapuas River, to plan their move to Batang Ai, which became a major Iban area.

Research by historians and linguists supports these stories. Studies by Benedict Sandin, Asmah Haji Omar, Rahim Aman, Chong Shin and James T. Collins, as well as M. Heppell, show that the Iban language and culture began in the upper Kapuas region. These findings match the traditions kept in Iban stories and wooden records.

19th century: migration, colonialism and socio-political changes

The 1800s were a big time for change for the Iban people, especially when the Brooke family came to Sarawak and started ruling there. This time had a big effect on Iban society, changing how they lived, worked, and governed themselves. During this time, many Iban people moved to new places, which helped them become one of the main groups in Sarawak today. Their move was not just about going to new lands—it also spread their customs, language, and traditions across western Borneo.

During this time, the Iban met other groups who were mostly interested in gathering food from nature or small farming communities. When the Iban moved into areas where these groups lived, sometimes the original people were included in Iban society, but other times they had to leave their homes or were sadly removed.

By the early 1800s, Iban people had started to settle in the Rejang River area, now part of Sarawak’s Third, Sixth, and Seventh Divisions. These early settlers came from places along the Batang Lupar and Saribas rivers, moving south into the Rejang’s smaller rivers. Others, from upper Batang Lupar (such as Batang Ai), traveled through rivers like Leboyan and Kanyau (Embaloh), finally reaching the Katibas River, a smaller river of the Rejang in central Sarawak.

The Brooke leaders helped guide Iban people as they moved during Sarawak’s growth. James Brooke, a British traveler, came to Borneo in 1838 to help the Sultan of Brunei stop a rebellion. After helping, he became the leader of Sarawak in 1841. He worked to stop attacks by pirates and change some traditional practices, including a custom some Dayak groups followed, among them the Iban.

One of Brooke’s biggest challenges was dealing with Rentap, a well-known Dayak leader. Brooke led three battles against Rentap, with the final one at Sadok Hill. During these fights, Brooke relied on local Dayak soldiers, once saying, "Only Dayaks can kill Dayaks," showing his trust in them and the complex relationships during that time. In 1851, Brooke faced claims that he used too much force against the Dayak people, supposedly under the idea of stopping pirates. This led to an official review in 1854, which found he did nothing wrong. Even with these challenges, Brooke kept using Dayak soldiers in many battles.

By 1870, many Iban people had set up homes along the Oya and Mukah Rivers. In the early 1900s, Iban settlement grew to places such as Tatau, Bintulu, Balingian, and parts of northern Sarawak including the Limbang River area and Baram Valley.

As more Iban people moved, there wasn’t enough resources in some places where they used traditional farming methods. To help manage this, the Brooke leaders put rules on moving to prevent too many people in one place and running out of resources. But they also encouraged Iban people to move to new lands they had taken over, because of the Iban skill in taking care of resources, like collecting rattan, camphor, damar and wild rubber. This support for moving included places such as Limbang (taken over in 1890) and Baram.

By the late 1800s, areas like Batang Lupar, Skrang Valley, and Batang Ai had too many people, so the Brooke government helped Iban families move to quieter places. Iban families from places like Simanggang, Batang Lupar, and the Second Division were encouraged to settle in Bintulu, Baram, Lundu, and Limbang.

This movement helped spread Iban language, culture, and farming ways across Sarawak. But it also brought changes, such as some local groups like the Bukitan people in Batang Lupar joining Iban society through marriage. In other places, including areas where the Ukits, Seru, Miriek and Biliun lived, moving Iban families led to tough fights and sad outcomes for these groups.

20th Century: Participation in World War II and the Malayan Emergency

In the 1900s, more Iban people moved to new places, with important settlements such as along the Baleh tributary of the Rejang River in 1922, and communities in Suai, Niah and Sibuti in 1927, with government support for a move to Lundu in 1955. More moves happened as part of government plans in the Second and Fourth Divisions of Sarawak. The first Iban families moved to Merotai, Tawau, Sabah around 1920, and their numbers grew a lot from the 1960s on.

When the Second World War began, it changed life for the Iban and other local groups in Borneo. After the Japanese invaded, local people including the Iban and Malay faced very hard times and sad events in places such as the Kapit Division. In response, a group of local fighters including Iban people was formed to help the Allied forces. They were trained by a few US airmen and Australian special operatives, and they helped catch or capture around 1,500 Japanese soldiers. They also gave important information about oil fields held by the Japanese.

After the war, during the Malayan Emergency from 1948 to 1960, the British Army asked Iban people to help in operations against a group called the Malayan National Liberation Army. These Iban people used their knowledge of the land and skills to help British soldiers travel through hard terrain. Their help in these operations became talked about when photos appeared showing Iban helpers and British soldiers with items from people they considered enemies. At first, the British government said this was not official policy. Later, a leader named Oliver Lyttleton said that Iban troops had been allowed to do these things as part of their military duty. This caused a lot of discussion. After the conflict ended, all local troops including the Iban were let go.

Ibanic regional groups

The Iban people speak different dialects that people can understand, even if they are not exactly the same. These groups are named based on the places where they live.

Language

The Iban language is spoken by the Iban people, who are part of the Dayak ethnic group. This language is part of the Malayic languages, which belong to a larger group called the Malayo-Polynesian branch of the Austronesian language family. It is believed that the origins of the Malayic languages are in western Borneo, where many related languages are still spoken today.

Religion

The Iban people have a rich history of their own traditional beliefs and customs. Over time, many Iban people became Christians after European missionaries arrived. Today, most Iban people are Christian, but many still mix Christian and traditional practices, especially during special events like weddings or festivals.

Iban Christians celebrate important Christian holidays such as Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter. They also hold Gawai Dayak, a celebration that honors their cultural traditions. In Brunei, some Iban people have chosen to follow Islam, often through marriage with other groups. Despite different religious beliefs, Iban people generally support and enjoy time together. Some older Iban people worry that younger generations may be losing touch with traditional customs, but many Iban people welcome modern changes and progress.

Culture and customs

Iban music uses strong beats and rhythms. They play special drums and gongs, creating lively music for ceremonies and celebrations. One popular style is called taboh, with different beats for different occasions.

The Iban people are skilled weavers, creating beautiful blankets and clothing. Their weaving tells stories and has special designs that mean a lot to their culture. They also grow rice and other crops, using methods passed down through generations. Families work together on their farms, which are often in the forest.

In the past, some Iban people lived near the sea and used boats for travel and trade. They were known for their clever tactics in water battles, using hidden boats to surprise their enemies. Later, many Iban joined groups fighting for peace and order during difficult times.

Military contributions

The Iban people are known for their bravery as warriors in the past, defending their homes or moving to new areas. From Sarawak in Malaysia, two very brave Iban soldiers are Temenggung Datuk and Kanang anak Langkau, who received the highest award for bravery, called the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa or Grand Knight of Valour. Another brave soldier is Awang anak Raweng from Skrang, who also received a George Cross for his courage.

Only one Dayak has ever become a general in the military: Brigadier-General Stephen Mundaw in the Malaysian Army. He was promoted on November 1, 2010. Kanang Anak Langkau is considered Malaysia's most decorated war hero for his help in protecting the country from enemies. Many other brave soldiers come from different groups, with many being Iban.

In popular culture

Some movies, songs, and stories have featured the Iban people and their traditions. For example, the episode "Into the Jungle" from Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations showed an Iban person with special traditional tattoos. The film The Sleeping Dictionary stars an Anglo-Iban girl and was filmed in Sarawak, Malaysia.

Malaysian singer Noraniza Idris released songs inspired by Iban music. The 1958 film Chinta Gadis Rimba told the story of an Iban girl and was the first full-length movie shot in Sarawak. The 1987 film Bejalai, made in the Iban language, was about a traditional journey young Iban men take. The novel and film Farewell to the King features a character who joins an Iban community. Additionally, in 2007, a Malaysian bank created a commercial entirely in the Iban language to celebrate the country's independence. The novel The Nutmeg of Consolation also includes scenes with Iban people.

Notable people

Academia

• Benedict Sandin, a historian and teacher

Entertainment

• Henry Golding, a movie actor from Hollywood; his father is from England and his mother is Iban
• Nicole Constantine, a winner of a top award for managing talent; her father is from Australia and her mother is Iban

National heroes

• Kanang anak Langkau, a hero of Malaysia; he received a brave award called "Sri Pahlawan Gagah Berani" from the government
• Rentap, a leader who stood against rulers from Brooke and was called Raja Ulu (King of the Interior)

Beauty pageant titleholder

• Francisca Luhong James, Miss Universe Malaysia in 2020; her father is from Orang Ulu and her mother is Iban

Politicians

• Jugah Barieng, an important leader for the Dayak people and a key person who signed for Sarawak in the Malaysia Agreement
• Stephen Kalong Ningkan, the first Chief Minister of Sarawak
• Tawi Sli, the second Chief Minister of Sarawak
• Doris Sophia Brodi, a member of Parliament for Sri Aman and the first woman to serve as Deputy Speaker of Dewan Negara from 2012 to 2016

Sports personalities

• Jimmy Anak Ahar, an athlete from Brunei
• Philip Anak Ahar, a football player from Brunei
• Hardi Anak Bujang, a football player from Brunei
• Mardi Anak Bujang, a football player from Brunei
• Haimie Anak Nyaring, a football player from Brunei
• Suhaimi Anak Sulau, a football player from Brunei