Sampling Dayak arts and cultures in Kalimantan Barat
on walls, gates and giant entrances to malls and walkways.
They are symbols of power over nature. The Dayaks believe that hornbills were champions of their community during the warring days of yore and had always helped good to triumph over evil.
The cruise participants bought hornbill carvings and wall pictures to bring home. Some of the most beautiful lamp stands in Pontianak are carvings of hornbill. Most popular items Baskets and bags with Dayak motifs are the most popular items, snapped up by Sarawakian tourists, according to Aga Mideh who was one of the cruise organisers.
The weaving is fine, tight and even. Some of the woven bags feature mythical figures and even hidden meanings.
The rattan of Kalbar is also finer and softer. According to local shopkeepers, the people of Kalbar are very aware of the need to maintain their natural resources. Rattan needs a healthy forest to thrive. Batik of West Kalimantan One of the most popular souvenirs is the exotic batik with Dayak motifs. Shirts, sarongs and lovely dresses with Dayak motifs are snapped up in a trice.
These batik pieces are all very special and cannot be easily found outside Kalimantan Barat. Choices of colours, designs and quality are plentiful.
The batik of Sanggau is particularly fine and attractive, especially those worn by the leaders and other politicians who came to welcome the group.
The brilliant red Sanggau batik is especially significant. It can be worn every day, yet is glamourous enough for festive and special occasions.
The batik of Sanggau has a characteristic design of ‘Daun Sabang’ — a plant with red leaves. Each piece of Batik Sanggau always has the characteristic leaf design. Daun Sabang is also known as ‘sanggau’. Special Dayak costumes The costumes for Dayak women are called ‘Ta’a’ and for the men, ‘Sapei Sapaq’. Both are very creative costumes, beautifully reflecting the cultural and social advancement of the Dayaks.
These costumes are unique and hard to come by. Many in the group also purchased beaded headgears, bags and scarves to match the Dayak costumes. Some even bought extras for their families. Beads Some of the beads sold in the shops are rare and extremely valuable. These old-styled beads cannot be found outside Kalimantan. The prices are considered very reasonable. They were the most popular items bought by the cruise participants. Beads can be part of a girl’s dowry.
Patricia Yong, from Sabah, told thesundaypost: “I bought a purple purse with Dayak motifs for my mum — a sarong with purple Dayak motifs for her too. The colours and designs are just so nice.”
The cruise participants not only enjoyed a unique journey across the Danau Sentarum and along the Batang Kapuas, but also acquired a lot of knowledge about Dayak cultures and arts.
They brought back with them lots of good memories and Dayak souvenirs for themselves and their families.