This Large Bronze Ceremonial Kettle From Borneo is used by the indigenous people of Borneo in East Malaysia, especially the Iban people. These kettles were cast in bronze or brass, and decorated with various motifs related to fertility, prosperity, nature and mythology. The kettles were used for washing hands during special occasions such as weddings or feasts. They were also considered as a form of wealth and prestige and sometimes traded as currency. The kettles reflect the influence of Chinese culture and trade in Borneo, as well as the local beliefs and traditions of the people.
This kettle shows water scenes with dragons in relief winding their way across the mid-section of the body on each side of the kettle. Other motifs include fish, lobsters, lotus flowers, and frogs. The lid, with its domed shape, is adorned with a large river prawn and a fish in low relief on both sides On top of the lid sits a solid-cast creature in a crouching position, accentuated by a prominent tail. The foot of the kettle is circled by a row of lotus petal motifs above the rim with an indiscriminate pattern below circling the upper edge of the rim. The spout extends from the body in the shape of a dragon with the remainder of the spout curved upwards leaving the dragon’s mouth, the opening of the spout is covered by a small hinged lid on which a small frog sits. The top of the handle shows a motif of a crocodile along the curve.
These kettles are rare and valuable examples of Borneo’s cultural heritage and artistic craftsmanship. This type of bronze kettle was used by the Iban and Dayak people in Borneo for pouring water to wash their hands and mouth and was usually only used for special or ceremonial occasions possessing such was indicative of the owner’s wealth and they were also sometimes used for trade.
These bronze Sarawak kettles are becoming rare and are usually only found in museums or private collections.
This kettle has some casting flaws which are seen in many of this type of caste in Borneo, with age-related wear and repairs to the handle and lid (see image).
The motifs on these bronze kettles such as dragons, frogs, foo dogs or lions exhibit the strong influence introduced by the Chinese who migrated to Borneo to work in the tin mines or rubber plantations during the 19th century as well as their relationship to the myths and legends related to the Chinese Admiral Cheng Ho who visited Borneo between 1405 and 1431 whereupon he heard about a magnificent pink pearl guarded by a ferocious dragon on top of Mount Kinabalu and his attempt to take it.
The Iban people of Sarawak are a fascinating and diverse group of people who have a vibrant culture. They are one of the branches of the Dayak peoples, the indigenous inhabitants of Borneo island, also known as Sea Dayaks, because they were once feared as pirates and headhunters.
IBAN RELIGION
The Iban traditional religion is called Ngempi, which means “to guard”. It involves the worship of ancestors, spirits, and natural forces. Today, they are mostly Christians or Muslims and live in longhouses or modern houses. The Iban people have a long and proud history of migration, exploration, and resistance, as well as a remarkable artistic and spiritual heritage.
The Iban people trace their origins to the Kapuas River in Kalimantan, Indonesia, where they lived as farmers and hunters. They began to migrate to Sarawak in the 18th century, seeking new lands and opportunities. They settled along the rivers and tributaries of Sarawak, such as the Batang Lupar, Saribas, and Layar. They also expanded to other parts of Borneo, such as Brunei and Sabah.
The Iban people are known for their distinctive longhouses, which are communal dwellings that can house up to hundreds of families. Each longhouse has a common veranda, where social activities take place, and a separate room for each family. The longhouses are decorated with intricate carvings, woven mats, and other handicrafts made by the Iban people.
The Iban people have a strong sense of identity and community, which is expressed through their rituals, ceremonies, and festivals. The Iban traditional religion is called Ngempi, which means “to guard”. It involves the worship of ancestors, spirits, and natural forces. The Iban also practice various rituals, such as Gawai Dayak (harvest festival), one of the most important festivals which is celebrated on June 1 every year. It is a time to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest, to honour the ancestors, and to renew ties with relatives and friends. The festival involves feasting, dancing, singing, and exchanging gifts. Gawai Antu (festival of the dead), Gawai Kenyalang (hornbill festival).
CRAFTS OF BORNEO
The Iban people are also renowned for their skills in weaving, pottery, metalwork, and woodwork. They produce beautiful textiles called pua kumbu, which are dyed with natural colours and feature intricate patterns that depict stories, myths, and symbols. The pua kumbu are considered sacred and are used for various purposes, such as covering the dead, protecting the crops, and adorning the longhouses. They use natural materials, such as cotton, rattan, bamboo, wood, hornbill feathers, and shells. They also have distinctive motifs, such as the buah pala (eight-pointed star), the buah berinjan (creeper vine), and the buah kala (scorpion)1.
IBAN LANGUAGE
The Iban language is part of the Austronesian language family and has many dialects. It is written using the Latin alphabet, but some older texts use a script called Surat Ulu, which is derived from the Pallava script of India.
IBAN TRADITIONS
Another notable art form of the Iban people is tattooing, which is done by using needles dipped in soot or charcoal. The tattoos have various meanings and functions, such as marking one’s status, achievements, or spiritual beliefs. Some of the common motifs are animals, plants, geometric shapes, and human figures. The tattoos are also believed to protect the wearer from harm or evil spirits.
The Iban have a complex social structure, based on kinship, territoriality, and hierarchy. They are divided into various groups, such as the bansa (clan), the marga (sub-clan), the bilik (family), and the panggau (warrior class). They also have different titles and ranks, such as the tuai rumah (longhouse headman), the tuai burong (bird priest), and the raja berani (brave king)1. The Iban have a rich oral literature, consisting of legends, myths, epics, proverbs, riddles, and jokes. One of the most famous epics is the Iban Ensera Keling Gawai Burong (The Story of Keling’s Gawai Burong), which tells the story of a hero named Keling who married a fairy princess named Kumang. The epic also describes the origin and meaning of the Gawai Burong ritu
The Iban people have a rich and diverse culture that deserves respect and appreciation. They have contributed to the social, economic, and cultural development of Sarawak and Borneo. They have also preserved their traditions and values in the face of modernization and globalization. The Iban people are a source of inspiration and pride for all Malaysians.
Longhouse residents have various customs and etiquette that reflect their culture and values.
Some of these are:
- Respect for elders: Elders are regarded as the leaders and guardians of the longhouse community. They are addressed with honorific titles and consulted on important matters. Younger people should greet them politely, listen to their advice, and assist them when needed.
- Hospitality for guests: Guests are welcomed warmly and generously by the longhouse residents. They are offered food, drinks, and a place to sleep on the ruai. They are also invited to join in the social activities and festivities of the longhouse. Guests should respect the host’s rules, participate in the communal life, and bring a small gift as a token of appreciation.
- Sharing and cooperation: Longhouse residents share their resources and labor. They help each other in farming, fishing, hunting, and house maintenance. They also contribute to the common fund for the longhouse expenses and welfare. Sharing and cooperation are seen as signs of solidarity and harmony among the longhouse residents.
- Ritual observance: Longhouse residents observe various rituals that mark important occasions and events in their lives. These include rites of passage, such as birth, marriage, and death; rites of renewal, such as house building and repair; and rites of celebration, such as harvest festivals and religious ceremonies. Rituals are performed with the participation of the whole longhouse community and often involve offerings, prayers, chants, dances, and music.
