The peoples of Sarawak all seem to share an artistic temperament;virtually every ethnic group produces excellent handicrafts, andmany cultures have developed their traditional skills to the levelof fine art. Many handicrafts and works of art are local versionsof items produced elsewhere, but many are unique to Sarawak, orat least to Borneo. Modern and antique handicrafts are offered for sale in Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Kapit and in the longhouses themselves.Fine examples of antique handicrafts are displayed at the
SarawakMuseum.
Pua Kumbu
The pua kumbu is the famous double-ikat blanket made byIban women, who are acknowledged to be the finest weavers in allof Borneo. The pua kumbu is woven from individually-dyedthreads on a simple backstrap loom, and a particularly fine piececan take months to produce. The patterns and motifs are derivedfrom traditional animistic beliefs, and include guardian figures,rice spirits, and symbols of the supernatural. Weaving of certaindesigns requires great spiritual power on the part of the weaver.In the egalitarian Iban society, a woman who wove a superb puakumbu could achieve the same social status as a great warrior.
Wood Carving
Most of Sarawak's indigenous people are skilled woodcarvers. TheIban produce ornate carved hornbills for gawai kenyalang(the hornbill festival), and the Melanau carve intricate sicknessfigures for use in healing rituals. But the best-known of Sarawak'swoodcarvers are the Orang Ulu, particularly the Kayan and Kenyah.Their longhouses are decorated with beautifully carved panelsand detailing, and even their musical instruments, such as themandolin-like sape, are works of art. They are most famous,however, for their superb figurative works, their intricate wildlifecarvings and the aso, a ferocious dog-like ancestor spirit.
Bead Work
The Orang Ulu are Sarawak's beadwork experts. Household items,baby carriers, clothing and headgear are decorated with intricatepatterns of antique glass beads. These beads have an importantrole in Orang Ulu society, and aristocratic ladies can easilytell if a bead is a genuine antique from Venice or Bohemia, ora modern copy. Great value is placed on fine beadwork, and itemsare passed down from mother to daughter for generations.
Rattan Weaving and Basketry
Rattan (or rotan) is the staple material for producing mats, basketsand household utensils in Sarawak. All the indigenous groups areskilled rattan weavers and basket makers, but some have developedthe craft into an art form. The most notable are the Penan, whoweave intricate coloured patterns into the simplest articles,such as mats and haversacks. For sheer quality and functionality,the finely crafted mats, storage baskets and carrying basketsof the Bidayuh have few equals.