Old tools of the Bidayuh in Semban; Part VIII

The fibers from Ijok palm tree has been used as cordage for generations and is still being used today

Some of the old tools that belong to the Bidayuh villagers in Semban are so old; they date back generations to the time of Rajah Brooke. During our visit there, we got to see traditional Bidayuh sugarcane crusher, old hunting weapons, hand powered forge and even an old rifle.

I reckon I can spend a few more days just discovering the tools used by the Bidayuh in Semban. As the guides shared with me the details of each tool, I became more and more immersed in its beauty and ingenuity.

The fibers of the Ijok palm tree for example has been used for generations as cordage to bind things together. It is one of the villager’s main cordage and it can be seen holding together bridges, houses and even floorings.

Sagen holding a coil of Ijok cordage ready for use

This is the best photo I got of an Ijok palm

Next to Ijok palm, there’s of course the Terap tree where the inner barks are also used for cordage. Thought commonly used by the Orang Asal in Peninsula, the Bidayuh seems to prefer the Ijok cordage for general rough use. Nevertheless, coils of harvested Terap and its application can be seen around the village

Coils of Terap bark ready for use - Pic by Meun

The carrying straps on this basket (hung upside down from the roof) is made of Terap fibers

This rolled up mat was made primarily using Terap fibers and rattan

A visit to guide Glen’s house is probably one which is filled most with “waaaaa…” and “wow…wow…wow”. Glen and his father were very kind in showing us some of the stuff stored in their store shed. The items include a traditional rice pounder or known as ‘Lisung’ locally (to remove the husk), hunting weapons, a blow pipe and a hand powered forge.

The rice pounder has not seen much use since the rice mill machine was brought up to the village

A close-up picture

Glen holding his blowpipe

The metal piece at the tip of the blowpipe helps steady it during use

The ‘cork’ like texture of this inner palm core is used to make blow darts

Three different types of hunting spears for different game

Now, I have heard about the hand powered forge but I never imagined I would have the good fortune of seeing one at Semban village. Being a blade enthusiasts, I have always wondered how traditional forges look like. This forge belongs to Glen’s family too. Though they no longer forge their own blades (most are bought from nearby towns now), they still know how to use it. “If we have good metal, we will fire up the forge again for sure” says Glen.

I will compile a video on this soon!

We went to a few locations to look at some of the old tools. One that stood out old but probably not traditional is an old rifle. The owner believes that it dates back to the time of the White Raja (James Brooke) and the rifle has been handed down in his family for generations. The owner wasn’t sure if the riffle can still fire.

The old rifle believed to be from the Brooke’s era- Pic by Meun

There are also cool Bidayuh kitchen tools. One such tool is the sugarcane crusher or ‘Erk’tes’ as locals calls it. I reckon this tool must be important to the Bidayuh since it is needed to make the good tasting Tepui (alcoholic drink).

The wooden sugarcane crusher or ‘Erk’tes’ (in Bidayuh)

To use the sugarcane crusher, a wooden piece is inserted into the hole on the statue and sugarcane is placed in between. The wooden piece (not in the picture) is then used to crush the sugarcane, forcing the liquid out, flowing along the beak like funnel. The sugarcane juice will then be collected using a container (not in the picture). And to store Tepui, the Bidayuh uses a gourd like container so that they can be carried around.

The gourd liquid container

I would love to have more time to explore and learn more about the Bidayuhs of Semban and their life. The tools they shared with me on this visit was an eye opener. Their tools are symbols ingenuity and adaptability, something that I think is the missing ingredient in today’s society.

Other posts/ videos on Semban:

• Part I- A visit to Semban, the village above the clouds
• Part II- The hanging bamboo bridges of Semban
• Part III- The long walk up to Semban
• Part IV- The waterfalls at Semban
• Part V1- The Bidayuh’s traditional cutting tools
• Part V2- The kitchen and bamboo blades of the Bidayuhs in Semban
• Part VI- Traditional bamboo smoking pipe and great food
• Part VII- Sunrise and morning walk around Semban
• Part VIII- Old tools used by the Bidayuhs in Semban
• Part IX- Ladies of the rings in Semban
• Video- The bidayuh’s hill paddy
• Video- The home made wooden pack that carries EVERTHING up Semban!
• Video- Bidayuh’s traditional furnace
• Video- Bidayuh’s traditional blades