Page 76 - The Guide To Sarawak
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THE PEOPLE
A group of Orang Ulu ladies visiting town for market day. Three important cultural symbols are shown here – the broad sun-hat, the beaded baby-carrier and the beadwork cap.
The Orang Ulu
By Y Bhg Datu Ose Murang,
Jayl Langub & Majlis Adat Istiadat
INTRODUCTION
Orang Ulu literally means people living upriver.
It is a convenient term used to describe the numerous indigenous minority groups of central and northern Sarawak who make up about 5%
of the population. Their longhouses and villages are scattered along the upper reaches of major rivers
in Kapit, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang Divisions. There are three major groupings namely, Kayan and Kenyah numbering around 65,000, the Kajang about 3,000, and the Highlanders (Lun Bawang and Kelabit) about
25,000 people. Each main group has a host of sub- groups and affiliated tribes.
Other smaller communities include the Bisaya (7,000), the Penan (16,000), the
Traditional Kayan and Kenyah costumes and accessories share many common themes, although individual tribes can differ subtly from one another in choice of dress. Nevertheless, the Kayan (left) and Kenyah (right) couples shown here could easily swap outfits without attracting comment.
