|
|
| Indonesia |
| Kalimantan (Indonesian part of Borneo) |
|
Kalimantan
is the home of the original inhabitants, the Orang Gunung or Mountain
People. The tribes are collectively called Dayak, although the tribal
people prefer to be known by their separate tribal names of Iban, Punan
and Banuaq. Most local tribes traditionally live in communal longhouses
called Lamin or Umaq Daru, which are built on wooden piles sometimes as
tall as three metres as a protection against wild animals and flooding. |
 |
| The Punan are nomadic so they move around the jungles and only use the longhouse at the height of the rainy season. Steeped in tradition, the interior of the longhouse is divided into separate family quarters with a communal area connecting each. It is in these communal areas that village meetings are held and ceremonies are performed. Guardian statues are normally placed in front of the longhouses to protect them against evil spirits who bring disease and bad fortune. The most common starting points for journeys and adventures through mountainous East Kalimantan are Balikpapan and Samarinda. | |
| In the south, which is swampy in comparison, the land is much flatter with large powerful rivers which meander to the coast. Many villages and settlements are built along these rivers, particularly the Barito River which is claimed by the indigenous Banjar people. The south is full of colour and there is lots of distinctive traditional art and culture to be seen including dance, music, ancestral dress, games and ceremonies. | |
|
In
central Kalimantan there is dense, fertile tropical forest producing
rattan, resin and the best woods. Three big Dayak sub-tribes inhabit this
province which is famous for its plaited rattan, palm leaves and bamboo
products. The building styles, statues, carvings and other products are
influenced by the Hindus, Chinese and Hindu-Javanese. |
|
|
|