Mawan directs museum officers to probe history of Iban warrior Uyu Chandi
State Museum officers have been directed to further examine the history of the late Uyu Chandi, one of the front liners of Iban warrior Rentap Libau.
According to Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan, Uyu was a brave Iban warrior fighting the Rajah Brooke government alongside Rentap more than 160 years ago.
However, Uyu was one of those who believed in peace, said Mawan, who is Minister in charge of Sarawak Museum and Heritage.
While Rentap was branded a fugitive by the Brooke administration towards the close of the war, Uyu decided to settle down in Ulu Kota, Julau.
The late Uyu was considered by many as a ‘ Raja Berani’, Mawan said.
Uyu was laid to rest on what Ibans call ‘Lumbung’ (a gravesite on stilt) on top of Bukit Bulie in Julau, near a traditional 35- door Iban longhouse, Rumah Nyambar Chandi.
“The fact that he ( Uyu) was laid to rest on top of that hill is a due recognition by others that he was a brave warrior.
“I have directed Museum and Heritage officers to further examine the historical site,” said Mawan who is Pakan assemblyman and Saratok MP.
“I can’t imagine how people in those days carried his ( Uyu’s) body to the top of the hill. It must have been a daunting task but it was necessary,” he added.
Yesterday, Mawan also said State Museum officers had been directed to examine the ‘ Lumbung’ because he believed it to be a potential heritage site apart from getting the old gravesite protected from any future land development.
As a mark of respect to the late Uyu, Mawan agreed with his son Jakson (or Igat) to name his ( Mawan’s) grandson, Uyu.
Last Sunday, Mawan brought the four-year- old Uyu to Bukit Bulie to participate in a ceremony to pay tribute to their brave ancestor, the late Uyu.
An Iban Miring was performed to wrap up the visit.