Dayak Iban people in Kalimantan

The Dayak Iban people in Kalimantan, Indonesia

Are one of the ethnic groups inhabiting the island of Borneo. They are part of the larger Dayak ethnic group scattered across various regions of Kalimantan. Here is some information about the Dayak Iban people:

History and Origins:

The Dayak Iban people originate from West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and East Kalimantan. They have a rich history, and many of them identify themselves as followers of the native Dayak religion, involving animistic beliefs and a strong spiritual life closely tied to natural elements.

Language and Culture:

The Iban language is the primary language used by the Dayak Iban people. Their culture is rich with oral traditions, performing arts, and ritual activities that reflect their close connection with nature. Traditional woodcarving and dances are essential parts of their cultural life.

Livelihoods:

Traditionally, the Dayak Iban people are swidden rice farmers, hunters, and fishermen. They live in the tropical forests of Kalimantan and possess deep knowledge of medicinal plants and survival techniques in the wild.

Customs and Traditions:

The Dayak Iban people have a strong system of customs and traditions. The longhouse is their traditional housing structure where several families live together under one long roof. Customs and ceremonial rituals such as Gawai Dayak (Dayak Festival) play a crucial role in their lives.

Religious Influence:

While many Dayak Iban people still maintain animistic beliefs and traditional culture, a significant number have embraced Christianity, particularly Protestantism and Catholicism. This shift is a result of external missionary activities entering Dayak territories.

Challenges and Social Changes:

Like many ethnic groups worldwide, the Dayak Iban people face challenges due to social and environmental changes. Deforestation, climate change, and modernization have impacted their traditional way of life.

It's important to note that this information can evolve over time, and variations in culture and daily life may exist among different Dayak Iban communities in Kalimantan.

Daily life od Dayak Iban

The daily life and customs of the Dayak Iban people in Kalimantan, Indonesia, reflect a close connection with nature, communal living, and strong traditions. Here are some aspects of the daily life and customs of the Dayak Iban people in Kalimantan, Indonesia:

1. Longhouses:
   The longhouse is the traditional housing form of the Dayak Iban people. It is typically a long structure consisting of multiple rooms or spaces inhabited by several related families. The design is elevated to protect against floods and wild animals.

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3. Livelihoods:
   Traditionally, the main livelihoods of the Dayak Iban people include agriculture, hunting, and fishing. They rely on rice fields, gardens, and rivers as sources of sustenance. Knowledge of medicinal plants and survival techniques in the tropical forest is crucial in their daily lives.

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5. Farming and Swidden Agriculture:
   Swidden rice cultivation is one of their main activities. The processes of planting and harvesting rice are often accompanied by traditional ceremonies as expressions of gratitude to spirits and deities.

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7. Arts and Culture:
   The Dayak Iban people have a rich artistic tradition, including woodcarving and textile arts. Traditional dances and music are also integral parts of their culture. Body ornamentation, such as tattoos, is often used as a form of expression of identity and social status.

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9. Customs and Rituals:
   Customs and ritual ceremonies play a central role in the lives of the Dayak Iban people. Examples of ceremonial events include the Gawai Dayak, an annual festival celebrating the harvest, welcoming guests, and honoring ancestors. Religious rituals and animistic beliefs remain significant aspects of their lives.

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11. Belief System:
    While many Dayak Iban people have embraced Christianity, animistic beliefs and spirituality toward nature remain strong in some communities. Worship of nature spirits, deities, and ancestors is often manifested in religious practices and rituals.

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13. Marriage and Family:
    The institution of family holds a central role in Dayak Iban society. Marriage is considered a crucial social bond, often accompanied by elaborate traditional ceremonies. Large extended families living in longhouses strengthen a sense of solidarity and togetherness.

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15. Social and Environmental Changes:
    Social changes, including the influences of modernization and globalization, as well as environmental changes like deforestation, have impacted the traditional lifestyle of the Dayak Iban people. Some communities may face challenges in preserving and safeguarding their cultural heritage.

It's important to note that practices and customs may vary among different Dayak Iban communities. However, overall, their daily life and customs reflect a close relationship with nature and a rich cultural heritage.

Referensi :

https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suku_Dayak
https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suku_Dayak_Bahau
https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suku_Dayak_Kayan
https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suku_Dayak_Iban
https://naming.id/2020/06/11/antropologi-penamaan-masyarakat-dayak/
https://www.pesonaindo.com/?attachment_id=6425
https://www.mongabay.co.id/2017/12/13/foto-merasakan-geliat-iban-di-rumah-panjang-sungai-utik/