The Kayans
A Journey through their Rich Cultural Heritage and Legacy
by
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The Kayans of Sarawak were postulated to have originated from along the Kayan River in Kalimantan Borneo. They have lived along the upper Kayan and the middle Kapuas and Mahakam rivers. It was pointed that the Kayans may have expanded to the south in Sarawak in earlier times, thus generating conflicts with the Ibans that were expanding north at the same time. Due to those incessant fights, the Kayans were pushed inland whereby they migrated northwards where they finally settled along the middle Baram River, upper Kemena River and the upper Rajang River, where they are still generally found today. The enduring survival and existence of the Kayans has been due their cohesiveness and cooperative nature. As Hose (1926; 1988) emphasized, the way the Kayans hang together and keep in touch with one another, even though scattered through districts in which numerous communities of other tribes are settled, preserving their characteristic culture with extreme faithfulness.
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About the Book
The Kayan culture is one that is rich with cultural diversity, and it’s important to appreciate and preserve it for future generations. The Kayan people are categorized as part of the Dayak communities of Borneo, and this book focuses on the Sarawak tribe with special reference to the Kayan Uma Pu clan. In addition to learning about the Kayans through an assortment of beautiful pictures, you’ll learn about tribal customs, beliefs, and more. Get insights on how: • Kayans expanded their living area over time; • communication occurs even without an alphabet; • villagers resolve household and community disputes; • beliefs and omens play a critical role in their society. The Kayans have survived so long because they cooperate and stick together, even though they’re scattered over a large area. While they’ve often been displaced, they’ll enjoy a much brighter future if the world seeks to understand their culture, heritage, and accomplishments.
About the Author
Richard Ibuh earned degrees in health care, environmental management and social sciences. He is a senior lecturer in a private college. He holds a Ph.D. in Social Sciences. He has served the public as a senior administrator in environmental health and community health development, and as a consultant and expert for community development projects and environmental impact assessment studies. He resides in Sarawak, Malaysia.