Page 94 - The Guide To Sarawak

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THE ARTS
The journey to the land of the dead. 5,000 year old Cave paintings found in the Painted Cave, Niah National Park.
The Arts of Sarawak
By Edric Ong
The Arts scene in Sarawak is unique and diverse; Sarawak’s rich multi-ethnic cultural heritage is infused with subtle eastern and western influences. The earliest evidence of art in Sarawak is found in the caves of Niah National Park, where early man dwelled some 40,000 years ago. Wall paintings and pottery found there have been carbon-dated to about 3,000 BCE.
This artistic heritage is still very much evident in the art forms created by contemporary Sarawak artists and craftsmen. Some still pursue traditional forms like woodcarving, basketry, and textile weaving, whilst a younger generation
is exploring
new and exciting artistic expressions in a variety of media.
This splendid burial pole (kelirieng or kelidieng) holds aloft the aerial tombs of two Orang Ulu aristocrats. It can be viewed in the grounds of the Sarawak Museum, Kuching.