Sarawak Culture PELAH HAWA Traditional Kayan Wedding

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The Planning of Weddings According to Social Strata

Maren

For atep hawa of the Maren class, a string of eight beads must be given. A pair of blackish beads, with one mandatory lukut bela or lukut sekala9 bead, must be accompanied by six yellowish beads called lavang10. There are many other colours of lavang, but for the Maren it must be the yellow lavang to show that the wedding is honourable. According to the Temenggong, the giving of the beads is compulsory as it shows the bonding of the couple11. Amongst the Orang Ulu of Borneo, valuable beads play an important ceremonial role. They are symbols of status as well as wealth. According to available literature, beads are still believed to have magical properties and often serve as amulets.

The next item to be given is the tawak12. It symbolises protection for a long lasting relationship. The malat buk - a ceremonial sword commonly known in Sarawak as parang ilang is the next item and it symbolises the law. If one of the parties does not fulfil his or her part of the deal, traditional Kayan law will be imposed on them. These three items are mandatory and constitute the basic engagement tokens.

string of eight beads tawak malat buk

Apart from the mandatory engagement tokens, additional traditional paraphernalia like the sunong (war jacket) made of animal skin and decorated with eight honorific bird feathers could also be given13. The war jacket is also decorated with beads of particular patterns (usually snakefish, dragon, and tiger) and finished with a large seashell14. Next is the tabin (seat mat for a loin cloth) which is also decorated with elaborate patterns. Then comes the lavung dok or male headgear decorated with 8 honorific bird feathers. The kelebit (shield) with a human face can only be given by the Maren class. The bah' or loincloth is also given but it is decorated beautifully with beads. The bakin or spear which is made from temehah wood / kayu ara / hardwood is also a common item given by the Maren class as an engagement token. Lastly sarongs numbering eight in total are also presented. The giving of the sarongs creates the feeling that the man is with the woman whenever she wears the sarong.

sunong tabin lavung dok
kelebit bah' sarongs

In the past, due to the stratified nature of the Kayan society, even the creative output of the artisans was dictated by status. Only the Maren were entitled to have large intricate murals in front of their family amin, wear delicately and beautifully decorated beaded caps and waistcoats. A talented artisan belonging to the lower classes could produce these beautiful works of art for the Maren but he would be compensated with special beads to "protect his eyes" (to ward off illness or misfortune) when he begins work on creating designs meant for those above his social level.


  • 9 This particular bead is rare and the most priced of beads. At one time, this bead was equivalent to the value of a man's life in Borneo. According to Munan, "In the old days of tribal warfare however, a lukut sekala could be used as ransom for a high ranking captive. A longhouse surrounded by an overwhelmingly stronger enemy force might manage to buy the attackers off with a payment of valuable beads". See Munan, Heidi. Beads of Borneo, Singapore, Star Standard, Singapore, 2005, p.79.
  • 10 Whatever the social rank of the couple, two opaque yellow lavang (doughnut shaped beads) are part of the set. These plain beads are considered very old and used in many ceremonial contexts. See Munan, Heidi. Beads of Borneo, Singapore, Star Standard, Singapore, 2005, p.59.
  • 11 From observations of weddings in Long Laput and Long Bemang, beads still play an important part of the traditional wedding process.
  • 12 A type of brass gong which is deep with a prominent knob; it is considered a valuable and prestigious item.
  • 13 The war-coat is usually made from the skin of a goat, bear, or (in case of distinguished chiefs) of a tiger-cat. A large pearly shell usually adorns the lower end of the front flap of the war coat.
  • 14 The higher classes reserved many privileges for themselves, including the use of certain motifs and designs on their houses, clothes and personal belongings.