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While we're talking about this topic, I'd like to share more about headhunting culture that was once widely practised in Borneo decades ago 
Bear in mind that I'm writing this from my limited knowledge as I learned them orally from the elders (mainly my mum) + the internet. Feel free to correct me where you see fit 
Lets start!
Lets start!
In the Iban culture, headhunting was considered a religious rite which started hundreds of years ago.
It was considered “prestigious” to acquire heads in Iban society, while in some community it was believed to be some sort of rite of passage that every boy should go through+
It was considered “prestigious” to acquire heads in Iban society, while in some community it was believed to be some sort of rite of passage that every boy should go through+
in order to become a man.
Victorian Britain even nicknamed the land ‘Barbaric Borneo’ which was fitting for the nature of the indigenous tribes.
There could be several reasons for this practise:
- to defend one's land from getting raided
- collecting their enemies' heads as trophies to symbolise victory
- some villages required their men to murder and bring the skull back to have permission to marry
- to defend one's land from getting raided
- collecting their enemies' heads as trophies to symbolise victory
- some villages required their men to murder and bring the skull back to have permission to marry
The Iban specifically believed cutting off the head gave them possession of the spirit which in turn made the collector more powerful.
This means:
more heads collected = more powerful a warrior will be = he becomes more respected & feared
more heads collected = more powerful a warrior will be = he becomes more respected & feared
This culture was momentarily banned by James Brooke in the 1800s, but re-emerged during the Japanese occupation in 1960s.
Wait.. i forgot to add that this practise is called "ngayau" in the Iban language 
The weapon used in headhunting is often the parang ilang, mounted on a handle made from deer horn or belian (hardwood).
Also known as bandau/mandau in other languages like Kenyah or Lunbawang.
Also known as bandau/mandau in other languages like Kenyah or Lunbawang.
A parang which had been used to hunt enemies down would usually be referred to as "udah makai darah" or any other variation of it
It literally translates to 'sudah makan darah' or figuratively means 'had been used to take away lives'
It literally translates to 'sudah makan darah' or figuratively means 'had been used to take away lives'
Following any successful headhunting mission, the Ibans would hold a Gawai Enchabu Arong (a thanksgiving ritual).
Just like how the Iban people would usually smoke animals like pig after every hunt, these heads were then smoked after being separated from the bodies.
I've also heard that in some cases the brains were scooped off, then mixed with glutinous rice and served as a special dish 
After smoking the head, it would then be dipped into local rivers so the grey matter could be rinsed out. This was also so the fish could eat the skin/meat of the head to make the cleaning process become easier
The eyes would also get removed skillfully to prevent it from popping out as a final mark of respect for the dead.
The heads were then bound with rattan, to prevent the jaws from dropping out during smoking.
Then they will get hung on a bamboo rack and get smoked with fire underneath them for at least 3 days 3 nights in order to +
Then they will get hung on a bamboo rack and get smoked with fire underneath them for at least 3 days 3 nights in order to +
drain out all the human juice.
alright I'm getting sleepy, will continue this tomorrow 
Good morning! I shall continue this thread
After the whole smoking stage, it is said that the stench of the roasted heads surpassed durian's scent Not that durian smell that bad anyway
Not that durian smell that bad anyway
Sometimes during the process the head is singed black according to one's preference.
In the past Iban women also played a major role in encouraging headhunting, as in hunting for “trophies.” They basically pressured their suitors by saying stuffs like "you're not brave enough to bring a head home for me".
Shakespeare cant compare with this level of romance
Shakespeare cant compare with this level of romance
The Kanowit tribe were taught that it was their duty to kill the first-person they meet, regardless of the victim's age, gender or tribe.
The heads would be given their highest respect.
Sir Hugh: "The most dainty morsels are thrust into its mouth and it is instructed to hate its former friends and that having been adopted into the tribe of its captors, its spirit must be always with them.”
Sir Hugh: "The most dainty morsels are thrust into its mouth and it is instructed to hate its former friends and that having been adopted into the tribe of its captors, its spirit must be always with them.”
The heads would then be displayed in a longhouse ruai, or kept in tajau (tempayan/refer pic), or simply kept in a room.
This is why some tajau is said to "come to live"
This is why some tajau is said to "come to live"
Some myths surrounding this antu palak (hantu kepala/head ghost???) include:- the heads may spit on u when u walk underneath them
- they may whistle at night as well. When their whistle is heard, it typically means they are asking for some sacrifice or food +
a ritual called Miring will be done to appease these spirits.
Miring would usually be done to honour the gods/spirits and to ask for blessing from the deities.
Miring would usually be done to honour the gods/spirits and to ask for blessing from the deities.
Nowadays, some modern Iban families which have converted to Christianity would opt to get rid of the heads through moving them to a different location, or sell them to skull collectors 
If you would like to watch a more vivid representation of how Iban warriors "pulai ngayau" (coming home after a war) and bringing fresh heads back home, watch The Sleeping Dictionary starring the famous miss Jessica Alba.
This movie is culturally incorrect in so many ways tho
This movie is culturally incorrect in so many ways tho
The Sleeping Dictionary:
In modern days, miring nurun ngayau (headhunting/engaging in war) is mainly done for Iban soldiers to ask the deities to watch over them + making them kebal (immune) to their enemies.
Here's a video of the villagers getting these antu palak down for Gawai Burung 
Another festival that is closely related to antu palak, Gawai Antu.
Anyways, I'm ending the thread. Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed it 
To my fellow Ibans, be proud of our rich, badass culture
To my followers from different backgrounds, you don't know fun until you've partied with the Ibans
To my fellow Ibans, be proud of our rich, badass culture
To my followers from different backgrounds, you don't know fun until you've partied with the Ibans
To end my thread, support local business and PLEASE STAY AT HOME!!!
Anang beganjuh, lebu kitai enda nyambut gawai ila. See yall in the next thread 
Anang beganjuh, lebu kitai enda nyambut gawai ila. See yall in the next thread
ps: i got nothing to promote just follow my insta lol
