Pensin and Lenyu showing off their tattoos.
BELAGA: Is the diverse culture and heritage of the Orang Ulus here facing extinction? The younger generation is migrating to the urban areas for study and better jobs, so it is not surprising that their interest in their heritage might be on the wane.
“During my time, we did not have education but now the younger generation, including my grandchildren, is going to school. They are less exposed to our cultures,” lamented Lisang Imang, 80, a resident of Uma Daro in Sungai Asap.
During the short stay of three journalists from The Borneo Post here to cover `Pesta Belaga Rainforest Challenge’, the native’s rich culture and heritage really sunk into their hearts.
It seemed the young are not really as keen as the older generation to preserve their cultures and traditions.
No doubt, the young natives took an active part in the `Pesta Belaga Rainforest Challenge’, but when it came to showcasing their beautiful way of life, they seemed to shy away and preferred to let the older generation take the spotlight.
“Not many young Orang Ulus can still play traditional instruments, like the `spa’, which is a guitar-like instrument made from bamboo gathered from the jungle.
“We will play these instruments during festive occasions or during the paddy harvesting season,” said Lisang.
Around Belaga town, many elderly ladies were spotted with big earlobes and amazing tattoos on their arms and legs, but the young had none of these unique ‘features’.
“These traditional tattoos were done when we were still young and single. It was a painful process, where a needle was used to inject coloured ink into our skin.
“The tattoos, with figures of humans, dogs and f lowers are a symbol of beauty,” said Pensin Linyun, 78, when met in town.
Her comrade, Lenyu Maloh, 60, chipped in: “No one knows how to tattoo anymore ever since the two old ladies who knew how to do it passed away.”
The `Pesta Belaga Rainforest Challenge’, said Assistant Minister of Culture and Heritage cum Belaga assemblyman Liwan Lagang covered the cultures and heritage of the Orang Ulus.
He said it also served as a platform to introduce and stir interest among the young in their own culture and tradition.
“We want our cultures to be remembered and passed on. The younger generation should pick up more on these cultures, which contain good values.
“For instance, we sing `parap’, which is a poem sung upon the arrival of guests, to welcome our visitors,” said Liwan.
A local show his ‘sape’ skills during a competition held in conjunction with the festival.
In essence, the festival did succeed in showing the beauty of the Orang Ulu community.
For instance, a variety of traditional tools and food, such as the `serukoe’, a delicacy that is prepared by rolling up rice in leaves and then boiling it in hot water, were readily available in the `pondoks’ erected along the riverbanks.
The natives, especially from the older generation, wore their traditional attire to greet guests.
Representatives from each village would also perform traditional dances and play traditional instruments during the festival.
“One’s culture is his or her identity, and you learn the values of life from culture. I really hope the younger generation can at least learn and understand their culture and practise part of it,” said Liwan.
Only time can tell how the cultures and traditions of the Orang Ulus’ will end, but from what we saw, their colourful and amazing ways ought to be preserved for posterity.
Lisang wearing traditional Kayan attire made from animal skin and Hornbill feathers.