Talk About Sarawak Museum

Sarawak State Museum

The Sarawak Museum was built by Rajah Charles Brooke in 1891 and modeled on a town hall in Normandy.

The Sarawak State Museum is the oldest museum in Borneo. It was founded in 1888 and opened in 1891 in a purpose-built building in Kuching, Sarawak. Naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace encouraged Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah of Sarawak, to establish the museum.

 

museum_sarawak

History

The Sarawak Museum was built in 1891 and was extended to its present form in 1911. The building was built to permanently house and display local indigenous arts and crafts, and collections of local animals. Its founding was encouraged by the prominent British naturalist, Alfred Russel Wallace, who was then collecting specimens in the state.

The museum was run by military officers during the two world wars. In the Great War, British officers were assigned to it. During the Japanese Occupation of World War II, the museum was directed by a Japanese officer, who was sympathetic to its goals. He protected it and the museum suffered very little damage or looting.

The historic building has been renovated. It is used to exhibit and interpret collections on the natural history of Sarawak. Shell Oil sponsored an exhibit on the petroleum industry, which has been important to Borneo. In addition, it displays archeological artifacts and reconstructions of examples of traditional life of the indigenous peoples, and of their arts and crafts. It has the most comprehensive archeological, natural history, and ethnographic collections on Borneo.

sarawak_museum_galery

 

 

Architecture

The building has undergone several renovations and alterations since its construction. It is rectangular, 44’ × 160’ with walls and pillars of bricks, and roof of belian and concrete. It was designed in the Queen Anne style of the Victorian period, modeled on a town hall of Normandy, France. 

The galleries are lighted by dormer windows on the roof, making wall space available for exhibit displays and collections.

inside_sarawak_museum

Layout

The ground floor of the museum holds the natural history collection and specimens of Sarawak fauna — reptiles, mammals, birds, etc., all expertly prepared and mounted for display. The west wing of the museum houses the Shell exhibition on the petroleum industries of Sarawak.

The first floor has exhibits of ethnographic artifacts of the indigenous peoples, such as models of the various types of longhouses, musical instruments, various kinds of fish and animal traps, handicrafts, models of boats and others.

 

Museum journal

The Sarawak Museum Journal is published by the museum staff. It was first published in 1911, with John Moulton the inaugural editor, making it one of the oldest scientific journals of the South-East Asian region. Topics covered include the history, natural history and ethnology of the island of Borne.

 

Sarawak state museum complex including the Ethnology Museum, Natural Science Museum, Art Museum, pleasant gardens, pavilions, Heroes Monument and temporary exhibitions. Free Admission.

The of an on wing and the Tun Abdul Razak Hall (temporary exhibitions) on both sides of Jalan Tun Haji Openg connected by a footbridge

Opening Hours : 
Monday to Sunday
9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m
Admission is free !

Links: Sarawak Museum (official website)

Iban Ethnic In Sarawak

Iban History

The Ibans comprise the largest percentage (almost 30%) of Sarawak's population.  Iban is native to Sarawak and Sarawak has the highest number of Ibans in Borneo. Formerly reputed to be the most formidable headhunters on the island of Borneo, the Ibans of today are a generous, hospitable and placid people.

iban_worrior

Because of their history as farmers, pirates and fishermen, Ibans were conventionally referred to as the "Sea Dayaks". The early Iban settlers migrated from Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo south of Sarawak, via the Kapuas River. They crossed over the Kelingkang range and set up home in the river valleys of Batang Ai, the Skrang River, Saribas, and the Rajang River. The Iban dwell in longhouses, stilted structures with a large number of rooms housing a whole community of families

          

The Iban trace their origins to the Kapuas Lake region of Kalimantan. With a growing population, creating pressures on limited amounts of productive land, the Iban fought members of other tribes aggressively, practicing headhunting and slavery. Enslavement of captives contributed to the necessity to move into new areas. 

iban_attire

By the middle of the nineteenth century, they were well established in the First and Second Divisions, and a few had pioneered the vast Rejang River valley. Reacting to the establishment of the Brooke Raj in Sarawak in 1841, thousands of Iban migrated to the middle and upper regions of the Rejang, and by the last quarter of the century had entered all remaining divisions.

The most dramatic changes in the past three decades have been abandonment of longhouses and permanent settlement in Sarawak’s towns and cities. Iban have lived near other ethnic groups with whom they have interacted. The most important of these societies have been the Malays, Chinese, Kayan and, during the Brooke Raj and the period of British colonialism, Europeans. The dynamic relations between Iban and these societies have produced profound changes in Iban society and culture.
 
The Ibans were a strong and successful warring tribe in Borneo. They speak the Iban language.An Iban longhouse may still display head trophies or antu pala. These suspended heads mark tribal victories and were a source of honour. The Dayak Iban ceased practising headhunting in the 1930s.

Rentap

Although Ibans generally speak a dialect which is mutually intelligible, they can be divided into different branches which are named after the geographical areas where they reside.

• Majority of Ibans who live around the Lundu and Samarahan region are called Sebuyaus.
• Ibans who settled in areas in Serian district (places like Kampung Lebor, Kampung Tanah Mawang & others) are called Remuns. They may be the earliest Iban group to migrate to Sarawak.
• Ibans who originated from Sri Aman area are called Balaus.
• Ibans who come fromBetong, Saratok & parts of Sarikei are called Saribas.
• The Lubok Antu Ibans are classed by anthropologists as Ulu Ai Ibans.
• Ibans from Undup are called Undup Ibans. Their dialect is somewhat a cross between the Ulu Ai dialect & the Balau dialect.

• Ibans living in areas from Sarikei to Miri are called Rajang Ibans. They are the majority group of the Iban people. They can be found along the Rajang River, Sibu, Kapit, Belaga, Kanowit, Song, Sarikei, Bintangor, Bintulu and Miri. Their dialect is somewhat similar to the Ulu Ai dialect. 

Long House Iban in Sarawak

Long House Iban 

Do You know long house which is famous called "Rumah Panjang" in malay language and "Rumah Panjai" in Iban language.  Long House is a traditional Iban consists of a single row of dozens of rooms. The house has its own niche and the way in safety and culture. This house architecture adheres to the traditions of local tribes each of which is not influenced by any outside community.

Rumah_Panjang_concept

 
The house is on stilts of hardwood and wood does not rot easily as buying whatever is available in the Borneo Island.  The roof as usual build from sago leaves like blue, Pantu Mulong and kind of thick leaves.

along_Rejang_river

 


Walls are made ​​from wood such as bamboo or Terentang. The floor commonly built from bamboo, board or bark. Stairs usually made ​​from a log shaped by tools called beliong and called ladder notch.

ladder_notch

 

Longhouse has 3 spaces of tanju (open verandah or balcony), verandah (open space) and the room. Part of the room and verandah called sadau (role) as well as bed virgin grain storage and appliances.

Varendah

Ruai

plan_floor

Kuching, Sarawak

An Introduction to Kuching, Capital of Sarawak in Borneo

 

kuching_view_from_sky

 Kuching (Malaysian pronunciation: [ku' ching], Chinese: 古晉; pin yin: Gǔ jìn), officially the City of Kuching is the capital and the most populous city in the state of Sarawak in Malaysia.  It is also the capital of Kuching Devision. The city is situated on the Sarawak River at the southwest tip of the state of Sarawak in the island of Borneo and covers an area of 431 km² with a population about 165,642 on the north and 159,490 in the south.   If mixed, the total population are 325,132.

Rainforests and rivers overflowing with life, a legacy of adventure, and friendly local people, Borneo is the favorite destination of many visitors to Malaysia. The city of Kuching is the capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak and the usual entry point into Borneo for travelers coming from mainland Malaysia.

Despite being the largest city in Borneo and the fourth largest city in Malaysia, Kuching is surprisingly clean, peaceful, and relaxed. Billed as being one of the cleanest cities in Asia, Kuching feels much more like a small town. Tourists are met with very little of the usual hassle as they stroll the spotless waterfront; locals instead pass with a smile and a friendly hello.

Kuching Waterfront

The tourist scene in Kuching is mainly centered around the meticulously maintained waterfront and adjacent bazaar in Chinatown. The wide walkway is free of touts, hawkers, and hassle; simple food stalls sell snacks and cold drinks. A small stage is the focal point for festivals and local music.

The waterfront stretches from near India Street - a shopping zone - and the open-air market (on the west end) to the luxurious Grand Margherita Hotel (on the east end).

Across the Sarawak River, the impressive DUN State Legislative Assembly Building is highly visible but not open to tourists. The white building is Fort Margherita, constructed in 1879 to guard the river from pirates. 

Farther to the left is the Astana palace, built in 1870 by Charles Brooke as a wedding gift to his wife. The current Head of State to Sarawak currently resides in Astana.

Things to Do in Kuching

Although many travelers use Kuching as a base for day trips to the coast and rainforest, the city has thoughtfully accommodated tourists that are interested in the local culture.

A cluster of four small museums are located in the northern part of the city's Reservoir Park within easy walking distance of Chinatown. The Ethnology Museum showcases Sarawak tribal life and even has human skulls that once hung in traditional longhouses. 

An art museum contains both traditional and modern work from local artists and shares a space with the Museum of Natural Science. An Islamic Museum exists just across a footbridge that crosses the main road. All museums are free and open until 4:30 p.m.

Also located on the edge of the Reservoir Park and nearby to the museums is a small, indoor aquarium with live displays of fish from the river. The aquarium is free to the public.

The Kuching Civic Centre is the highly visible building with the umbrella-shaped roof. Tourists can get an excellent view of the city from the viewing platform on the top floor.

River cruises are available at the waterfront for about US $20. Two companies run boats several times a day including one last cruise at sunset.

 

Weekend Market

The Sunday Market in Kuching is less about the tourists and more about the locals who have come to sell produce, animals, and delicious local snacks. The Sunday Market is held just west of Reservoir Park near Jalan Satok. The name is misleading - the market begins late on Saturday afternoon and finishes around noon on Sunday.

The Sunday Market is held behind a shopping strip just off Jalan Satok. Ask around for the "pasar minggu". The Sunday Market is a cheap place to try great food in kuching

 

Orangutans

Most people staying in Kuching make a day trip to the Semenggoh Wildlife Center - 45 minutes from the city - for a chance to see orangutans roaming freely within a wild refuge. Trips can be booked through your guest house or you can make your own way by taking bus #6 from the STC terminal near the open-air market.

 

Getting Around Kuching

Three bus companies have small offices near India Street and the open-air market on the west side of the waterfront. Antiquidated buses run all over the city; just wait at any bus stand and hail buses going the right direction. Bus fares are about 33 cents each ride.
 
Long-haul buses run to destinations such as Gunung Gading nasional Park, Miri and Sibu from the Express Bus Terminal located around batu 3. It is not possible to walk to the terminal, take a taxi or city buses 3A, 2, or 6.

Travel to Kuching

Kuching is well-connected to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and other parts of Asia by the Kuching International Airport (KIA). Although still a part of Malaysia, Borneo has its own immigration control; you must get stamped in at the airport. 

Upon arriving at the airport, you have the option of either taking a fixed-rate taxi (about $8) or walking 15 minutes to the nearest bus stop to hail a local bus (about 33 cents) into the city.
 
To take the bus, exit the airport to the left and begin walking west on the main road - use caution as there is no proper sidewalk. At the first intersection, go left then follow the road as it splits off to the right. At the roundabout turn right, cross the road to the bus stop, then flag any city bus going north to the city. Bus numbers 3A, 6, and 9 stop just west of Chinatown.

Sarawak Ethnics

 Sarawak Tribal Ethnic

Sarawak who is familiar with the State of "Bumi Kenyalang" have people of the various tribes. There are about 30 ethnic groups in Sarawak. "Iban" ethnic is the largest tribe in Sarawak, followed by Chinese, Malay, Bidayuh, Melanau ethnic groups and others. 

As a state that has a variety of races and tribes, undoubtedly there are different cultures and customs practiced. For Sarawak society, culture is a tradition that emphasized heritage and obstinate in their daily lives.  

Information related to customs Sarawak ethnic communities in this website will be focused on three main aspects of birth, marriage and death are only refers to the three major tribes in Sarawak, Iban, Melanau and Bidayuh.


Iban  
         
Iban ethnic were the majority in Sarawak. There are a number of tribes such as Balau Iban, Sebuyau, Lemanak and others. Iban still hold strongly to their traditional identity while practicing a wide variety of unique customs. 

Geographically, most of the Iban community living in some remote areas are concentrated in the center of the State and a number of small live in urban areas. 

Information related to customs and culture practiced by the Iban following will focus on three key aspects of their lives, namely birth, marriage and death.

Iban_tradisional_cloth

Melanau

The Melanau ethnic communities in Sarawak. Melanau generally similar to the Malay community in terms of belief, culture and customs. Thus society is a branch of the Malay community. But regular Melanau culture and customs of their own. 

This custom is evident in aspects of their lives such as birth, marriage and death. Customs or practices handed down since time immemorial and is still continuing to this day.

Bidayuh
 
Bidayuh ethnic community of Sarawak is mostly inhabit the hills outside the city of Kuching. There are many different tribes among the Bidayuh and holding each practice and customs of their own. Culture and customs are heavily influenced by the elements of ritual and belief that they belong to. 

The following appear relevant Bidayuh customs of birth, marriage and death in a concise and comprehensive.

Bidayuh_ethnic

Sarawak Malay

 Malays constitute 21% of the total community population in Sarawak. Most of them are fishermen. At the present time, many Malays have moved to the cities in which they have been engaged in various professions either in the public or private sector.
          
Most of the houses in the village of Sarawak Malay mostly made ​​of wood and located on the banks of the river are still far from the city or town. They still rely on traditional industries such as wood carving, silver and make a woven cloth of gold.
         
Sarawak Malays are Muslims, where Islam was brought to Asia over 1000 years ago. Islam affect the life of the Sarawak Malay community, especially the aspects of culture and the arts. For other aspects of construction, most of the houses or buildings have symbols or characteristics connotations. Similarly, the marriage customs of course Islam.

History of Sarawak, Malaysia

                Introduction


Sarawak is a state in East Malaysia, which is also known as the Land of the Hornbill. Sarawak is a land of rich cultural multi-ethnic indigenous. Sarawak was under the influence of the Brunei Sultanate in the 16th century. Brunei Government is not directly involved in the administration in the state. Local Malay chiefs appointed governing Sarawak. In 1827, the Crown Prince was appointed to rule Sarawak by the Sultan of Brunei. This election resulted in the administration of the local Malay chiefs over.

Map of Sarawak

 
Rebellion in Sarawak (1836 - 1841)
          

Malay chiefs and people of Sarawak Dayak opposed the Crown Prince. They are not satisfied with the administration since he took over all administrative duties and authority of the Sarawak Malay chiefs. Crown Prince also controlled the production and trade of antimony and gold. He forced the Bidayuh people working in the mines of antimony without wages.  

He forced the Bidayuh buy goods from the high prices and make your wife Bidayuh slaves when the debt can not be explained. As a result of the rebellion broke out. This rebellion was led by a Malay chiefs Sarawak, Datu Patinggi Ali.Pemberontakan failed defeated by the Crown Prince. In 1837, Pangeran Muda Hashim sent by the Sultan of Brunei to restore the situation in Sarawak but failed. In 1939, James Brooke, a British adventurer reaches of Sarawak to ship Royalist.  

James has promised office of the Governor of Sarawak should be able to preserve Sarawak. He and his forces managed to finish the rebellion in 1841. Sarawak return peacefully on 24 November 1841 and James Brooke was appointed Governor of Sarawak as promised. He is authorized to perform administration in Sarawak as the representative of the Sultan of Brunei.
 
Appointment is confirmed by the Sultan of Brunei through an agreement signed in 1842. James Brooke agreed to pay $ 2.500 annual tribute to the Sultan of Brunei. Through the agreement, James Brooke recognized as Rajah of Sarawak. In 1846, Sarawak was ceded to James Brooke by the Sultan of Brunei. Sarawak Region covers an area of Tanjung Datu to the area between the river and the Samarahan River Sadong.


Expansion Family Brook's Sarawak  

After becoming King of Sarawak, James Brooke strive to become ruler of Sarawak's independence. He requested naval assistance.
 
British to strengthen its position. Some Iban and Malay settlements that are considered hazardous destroy. The Crown Prince was forced out of the state. Pangeran Muda Hashim was sent back to Brunei. As a result in 1846, the Sultan of Brunei on sedition palace chiefs tried to eliminate James Brooke.  

Sultan of Brunei was forced to admit James Brooke of Sarawak as an independent ruler. He also handed over the island to James Brooke that is the founder of White reign in Sarawak. He was succeeded by his nephew Charles Brooke (1868-1917). Rajah Vyner Brooke, the last is (1917-1946).
   
 Charles Brooke Administration

Charles Brooke is the nephew of James Brooke. He took over the administration of Sarawak in 1868. He established the State Council to provide an opportunity for tribal leaders to take part in the administration. Under the administration of Charles Brooke, Sarawak is divided into five parts. A Resident headed each section. They are directly accountable to the Rajah of Sarawak.  

Resident assisted by a local official (Native Officer). Native officers are from the ruling family and is responsible for advising the Resident, collecting taxes and heading the military expedition. Expansion of regional Sarawak also occur during the administration of Charles Brooke. Sarawak Region is extended to other areas of the Baram River, Trusan, Limbang and Lawas.  

Charles Brooke to promote the cultivation of pepper, gambier, sago and rubber and mining of antimony, gold and coal. He also managed to end the practice of slavery and headhunting among the natives. Actions opposed by the Dayaks, but Charles Brooke broke.

 
Charles Vyner Brooke Administration



Charles Vyner Brooke replace Charles Brooke. He was the third Rajah of Sarawak and last and not so interested ruled Sarawak. While in England, he handed over Sarawak to its officers and local dignitaries.  

On September 24, 1941, to celebrate the 100 years of the Brooke administration in Sarawak, Charles Vyner Brooke introduced a constitution for Sarawak. Charles Vyner Brooke Sarawak government wants to change the system by giving local people more power in state government. 

Before the introduction of this constitution, the princes of Sarawak's prerogative to legislate and regulate the government. Vyner Brooke give absolute power to the State Council and the Supreme Council. Council of State (Legislative Council) may make laws to ensure the safety.

Region Of Brunei

Change in Sarawak Under Brooke  (1841-1941)
 
The Sarawak government is headed by the Brooke family of James Brooke, Charles Brooke and Charles Vyner Brooke, who was called Raja of Sarawak. Some changes have taken place in the administration. Between 1841 to 1905, James Brooke and Charles Brooke has expanded several regions of the Sultan of Brunei.  

Pepper getting wider. Brook's assisted by the Supreme Council initially staffed by Rajah of Sarawak, First Resident and local dignitaries. The first flag was introduced in the State of Sarawak in 1848 was divided into five regions, namely Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four and Part Five. Each section is governed by a Resident. Resident is assisted by the Assistant Resident, District Officers, Assistant District Officer, Officer and Chief Native Village (Harvest House).
 
During the Brook's, the traditional ruling system is maintained. Malay chiefs ousted by former Crown Prince reappointment including Datu Patinggi, Datu Temenggong Datu Town and Datu Imam. James Brooke introduced monarchy and through this system the king. Brook's authorities also work to end the practice of headhunting and slavery. A code of laws introduced to protect the security of the state.  

James Brooke eliminate piracy center in Saribas, Rimbas and New Stick in 1850. During the reign of Charles Brooke of Sarawak, he set up the Council of State to provide an opportunity for tribal leaders to take part in the administration. Economic activity in the agricultural sector changed from subsistence farming to agricultural trade.

Economic Change and Economic Changes Society  

When the Brook's, subsistence agriculture has been transformed into agricultural trade. Traditional crops such as pepper, sago and Clove is widely cultivated for export. Sago was grown by the Melanau Mukah and Oya. In the 19th century, sago is one of the major exports of Sarawak. Black pepper is widely grown in the First Division, particularly around Kuching. 

Many Chinese people from entering Sarawak pepper cultivation, gambir and rubber. Sarawak is the second largest exporter of black pepper world in 1937. Coconut crops cultivated by the Malays in Part One and Two. In 1905, rubber was planted in the state. In the 20th century, rubber is grown by smallholders become the main exports of Sarawak. Another new crop introduced in Sarawak is a crop of tobacco. Tobacco is grown in Lundu. Timber enterprises controlled by the Chinese worked in rural areas and forests along the coast.
 
Until the 1870s, significant antimony mining on economic development of Sarawak. Antimony and gold is mined in the area near Bau. Coal was mined in Simunjan. In the 20th century, the main mineral mined is petroleum. The search for oil and gas exploration undertaken by the Company of Borneo. In 1910, the first oil well in Miri opened. Oil refined at oil refineries in Lutong. Mining income yielding much to Sarawak. Charles Brooke only allows Borneo Company engaged in agriculture and mining to protect the interests of local residents.


Education  

Social change has also occurred in Sarawak as the result of economic development. However, these changes do not take advantage of many local residents. In education, the Brooke administration had introduced the Malay education. Malay primary schools were established but low-quality education. Therefore, education Malays were left. Brooke rule to give aid to the English school. Most of the English school founded by Christian missionaries. The Chinese also established Chinese schools using books and syllabus of the country.
 

Relationship
 
In terms of connectivity, the system of land, water and air in Sarawak also diperbaiki.terutama around Kuching. Kuching City was transformed into a royal city and the administrative center Brooke equipped with basic amenities. The buildings were erected and western feature is considered as a subsidiary of the Singapore port. Roads and railways were also built. Water transport is extended with several shipping companies began service in Kuching. In addition, postal, telegraph and telephone, were introduced. To ensure residents get the proper medical treatment hospitals set up in cities like Kuching and Sibu.
 
Sarawak Rangers was founded as a measure to ensure the security of Sarawak reserved. Pluralistic society exists in the state following the influx of immigrants. Several new towns like Miri and Sibu developed after the arrival of the Chinese. Sarawak's economy has been dominated by the Chinese. Brooke Kings divide and rule policy to protect the interests of their dynasty. Each race is given a specific role. The Malays are given a key role in the administration. The Iban are given roles in the military. Chinese people can only engage in the economic field...