Kayan people (Borneo)

The Kayan people are an indigenous group living in Borneo. They are closely related to the Kenyah people and the Bahau people, and all three are grouped together as the Apo Kayan people. The Kayan are part of the larger Dayak people and should not be confused with the Kayan people of Myanmar.

There may be around 200,000 Kayan people. They belong to a group called the Orang Ulu, meaning "upriver people." In the past, they were known as skilled warriors and hunters. They were also good at growing upland rice. Both men and women traditionally had extensive tattoos and very large stretched earlobes, which were signs of beauty and status.

History

The Kayan people may have started near the Kayan River in North Kalimantan province in Borneo. They lived along the upper Kayan and the middle Kapuas and Mahakam rivers. Over time, they moved south into Sarawak, sometimes facing conflicts with the Iban people who were also moving. By the late 1800s, some Kayan settled along rivers like the Baram River and Rajang River. Later, many Kayan converted to Islam, which helped form a new group called the Bulungan people.

Language

The Kayan language is part of the Malayo-Polynesian branch in the larger Austronesian language family. This means it shares connections with many other languages spoken across Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands.

Main activities

The Kayan people share a similar culture with other Dayak people in Borneo. They practiced shifting cultivation and grew Upland rice, along with other crops like sago, corn, yams, pumpkin, and tobacco. Fishing and hunting, using a sumpitan, were also important activities.

The Kayan were skilled in many crafts. They raised pigs and chickens, with dogs kept for rituals. They were known for their metalworking, especially making Mandau swords, as well as building boats and working with wood. They also wove textiles on a Loom, created art, carved wood, made masks, and produced pottery.

Social structure

The Kayan people traditionally live in large buildings called long houses near rivers. These long houses can be up to 300 meters long and hold many families, sometimes up to 100 families or 400–600 people. Inside, there is a shared area and many rooms for families to live in together.

The Kayan have different social groups. There are nobles, common people, and slaves. Nobles often marry outside their group, while common people and slaves usually marry within their community. The leader of the group is often chosen from the noble class.

Religion

The Kayan people had traditional beliefs that included special ceremonies and rituals. These practices changed over time, and many Kayan people later turned to Christianity. After World War II, some created a new form of their original beliefs called Adat Bungan.

Culture

The Kayan people have rich cultural traditions, including beautiful songs that express their heritage and values. Some traditional songs are called "Alam Lening" and "Lung Kayaan Mendalam." These songs are an important part of keeping their culture alive and sharing it with others.

Notable people

Some well-known people from the Kayan community include Liwan Lagang, who currently serves as the assistant Minister of Sarawak. Another notable figure is Francisca Luhong James, who was crowned Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 and works as a part-time model. She has mixed ancestry, including Kayan, Kenyah, and Iban heritage.