» sarawak parang

Iban parangs, tasty grubs and longhouses; Final

Keong — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:32:20 +0000

An Iban elder taking rest from the hot day in the long house

I doubt if I can get over the parangs used by the Ibans, jungle food and the long houses in Batang Ai. Just a couple of weeks after the trip and already I am thinking of going back. There is simply too many things I wanna see, learn and experience still. As brief as this trip may be…I think the group of us ‘visitors’ had a really good time, hosted by these lovely people.

One of the Candong parang from another long house we visited briefly

Okay…I love parangs. Not just any parangs but locally produced, if possible hand made parangs. I love them so much that I have another blog just talking about parang. Click here to find out more. Meun understands and allows for that small room for my entire collection but some friends thinks it is over the top. My reason is simple. It is a artform that is slowly disappering. The least I can do is to record and promote it.

The parangs carried by our Iban guides on the trip in Batang Ai

To say that I was obsessed with the parangs owned by the Ibans in Batang Ai would probably be an understatement. I have made several trips to various locations in Borneo but this is the first time ever I see so many parangs in one place. The parangs are used for their farming work but there are also the more intricate and ‘old’ parangs. Blades that are obviously passed down through the family…some claimed to have taken lives.

This parang is estimated to be more than 60 years old and it has a small porcelain jar attached to it

Well, I will probably write more about the parang ‘experience’ on my other blog . I kept telling and begging the locals, never trade or sell their old parangs. They should always remain in the family as part of their history and legacy. This is my sincere hope.

To me, parang is part and parcel of the Iban’s way of life. They use it for farming, hunting and almost everything else. To see how they use the parang in the jungle is simply amazing. And it is also with the parang that the Iban guides (while we were visiting Gugu long house) used to working a Sago palm trunk for the infamous Sago grub.

The Iban guide working on the Sago trunk to look for the worms

Having a parang makes harvesting these crawlies so much easier

Vincent was the first one to had a go at them bulging grubs....

Gugu Longhouse is located near to where the longboats were left. There is this strange belonging that I feel as soon as I enter the longhouse grounds. It is a strange feeling and I just can’t point out what exactly. Perhaps it is the atmosphere, perhaps it is the sight of the long house itself. Or perhaps it is this connection that I feel with some of its residents.

I like Gugu long house

Cute buggers...yummy too!

Several piglets...all roaming free at Gugu longhouse. My kind of long house!

We chatted for quite a bit at Gugu long house, since the chief (Mr Siam) is around

There can never be a rush when one is at a long house. Danney told me this earlier but I couldn’t really make sense of it initially. After Mengiling and Gugu, I think I understand what he meant. Seating, sharing some tuak and chatting about the history of the long house, the people, their life, their recent hunt right up to who to vote for in the next general election. It was a lengthy chat…one that is necessary but absolutely impossible for me. Thankfully my friends were there to help.

The jungle experience with the Ibans was fantastic. I think all of my friends had their fair share of adventure as well. Before we head back to the Batang Ai jetty where our van would be waiting to transfer us back to Kuching, we made one last stop at Mengiling longhouse. To bid farewell as well as to thank them for their hospitality. By the time we got to the long house, everyone was around, eager to know how we did in the jungle. The stove in the kitchen started going, aroma of food filled the long house and us visitors took turn visiting the ‘throne’. While all these was going on, our friendly guide Isa continued his round with his bottle of ‘mineral water’.

Friend Jan enjoying some Langkau

Of all the trips I have done to Borneo, Batang Ai is probably the one place that has given me good real taste of Borneo. I am happy but not contended. I will be back to the Iban long houses of Batang Ai.

Thanks to Ming...this is a testament of how much Langkau-Tuak concoction I had for lunch

Traditional furnace of the Bidayuhs in Semban, Sarawak

Keong — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:12:26 +0000

Here is a video of a traditional furnace which belongs to the Bidayuhs in Semban Sarawak. Local guide and villager Glen and his father was kind enough to setup the furnace just to demonstrate how their old furnace works. The feathers on the ‘plungers’ are not from chickens but from a particular type of raptor.

Many apologies for the poor sound recording.

The kitchen and bamboo blades in Semban. Part V-2

Keong — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 08:08:24 +0000

Kitchen knives used by the Bidayuh women in Semban

I was equally astounded by the traditional blades used by the Bidayuh women in Semban. While the shapes of the blades are quite the same to their ‘bigger’ parang cousins, the method in which they are used is artistic. But the biggest surprise to me had to be the use of bamboo as a cutting tool.

Shaped similar to the Bidayuh Parang , even the Bidayuh women’s kitchen knives or ‘Sinark’ (in Bidayuh) has similar shape and characteristics. The blade, long and bent towards the handle, it requires some practice and getting use to master using it. Watching Sagen’s wife, I can’t help but realize how similar it is to how the Penan’s use their small knife (Penat). The end of the handle is tucked close to the body, often in elbow bent.

Sagen’s wife working on a pumpkin using a traditional Bidayuh knife

It comes as no surprise when we were introduced to the ‘Lonok’ or chewing kit. Most women in the village can be seen carrying or at the very least using a ‘Lonok’, consisting of a knife, betel leaves, tobacco and other sorts of ingredients to chew. Attached to the kit is also a knife with a similar shape but often decorated with colors and sometimes carvings.

Note the knife attached to this Bidayuh ‘chewing’ kit (Lonok)

But the biggest surprise for me personally was the use of bamboo pieces as a cutting tool. It was by chance that we stumbled upon a Bidayuh lady, seated comfortably with her granddaughter on her lap slicing tobacco leaves. The tobacco leaves, harvested from the nearby farm was folded carefully and sliced finely for drying. The lady had many pieces of the bamboo by her, ready for use.

A bamboo piece being used to thinly slice folded tobacco leaves for drying- Pic by Meun

A Bidayuh lady working with her bamboo blades while the granddaughter looks on

Well, it is no surprise that she used bamboo for this purpose. Bamboo has many uses, from building materials to cooking pots but this is the first time ever I have ever seen in real life it being used as a cutting tool. I have also heard of bamboo pieces being used as spears, with certain bamboo ‘species’ having the ability to puncture and pierce through animal bones. As the Bidayuh lady continued working on her tobacco, she finally worked through the pile of bamboo pieces she had with her. I was expecting her to start cutting up new pieces of bamboo, instead, she removed a small blade, very similar to the one attached to a ‘Lonok’ and started sharpening her bamboo blades. Happy with the new ‘sharpness’ on the bamboo blade, she continued on with her work.

The Bidayuh lady sharpening her bamboo blade using a metal knife

I wondered by she didn’t just use the metal knife to slice the tobacco leaves. Our guide wasn’t really sure of the real reason but one reason could be the fact that the bamboo blades are free and easy to sharpen. They have been used for such a long time and back then, metal blades would probably be expensive and difficult to obtain.

Bamboo blades…I never thought I’d see one in use ever. It was a real honor watching it being used. We are putting together a video on the blades and will be putting it up really soon.

The Bidayuh’s traditional cutting tools in Semban, Sarawak. Part V-1

Keong — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 07:06:58 +0000

The hilt of a Bidayuh’s Parang…wait till you see the rest!

The cutting tools used by the Bidayuhs in Semban are really unique and inspiring. From large Parangs to kitchen knives, there are even ‘non-metal’ cutting tools still being used by these amazingly beautiful people. To me, they are true testaments of how a deep understanding and appreciation of life and the world around enables the creation of functional and practical tools. Amazing? You bet!

When I agreed to join Kuching nature guide Danny Voon on a trek to Semban village in Sarawak, I knew it was going to be more than just another jungle trek. Danny is a Parang collector, and having received his Parang gift, my visit to Semban was real icing on the cake.

At the trail head, where we met up with our guides and porter (Glen, Nyun & Desmund) I was immediately drawn to the Parang Glen was wearing around his waist. The Parang has only half the side of the sheath!

Glen’s Parang has only half the sheath!

Okay, naturally I asked Glen if I can see his Parang. The Parang has a unique shape and the sheath itself is the first of its kind I have seen in my entire life. I knew instantly that the trip would be a really interesting one. Glen allowed me to take pictures of his Parang.

The Bidayuh Parang

The other side of the Parang

According to Glen, the Parang sheath is deliberately designed and shaped that way. Experience has taught the Bidayuhs that a fully enclosed Parang sheath can be clogged up with dirt and wood chip from all the cutting and slashing, a situation where constant cleaning and rinsing is necessary. By doing away with one side of the sheath, there is no way the sheath will be clogged and work can continue with ease. What a fantastic idea!

Now, the sheath and blade may seem dangerous but its design and unique use of rattan to keep the blade in place makes it nearly impossible for the blade to cut the user. I know some people may refute this but seriously, the Bidayuh of Semban has probably been using this sort of design for generations.

According to our Bidayuh guide in Semban Mr Sagen, the Parang is called a ‘Bukok’ and a sheath is a ‘Sibong’. The shape is unique and preferred because it keeps the user’s hand away from whatever object he/she is cutting. Sagen was prompt to point out that the Parang is a man’s constant companion when out in the jungle.

Mr Sagen showing and explaining the Bidayuh Parang

The other side of the Parang

It is only later that I realize that Danny too is using a similar Parang. The shape is distinctive; the only difference is that Danny’s Parang comes in a complete sheath. Danny, being an avid collector feels that the design is most practical and he is very used to it.

Danny's full sheath Parang

Interestingly, the shape of the Parang blade can also be seen in other cutting tools in Semban Below is a picture of 3 pieces of very old Bidayuh Parangs which belongs to Sagen’s family. The piece with the metal handle has been handed down within Sagen’s family for generations and is used for battle during the olden days. He knows for a fact that the blade has killed other human beings before (though he is not sure how many).

These Bidayuh ‘war’ blades may very well have tasted human blood before

To be continued…

Sarawak parang gift from Danny Voon

Keong — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:23:25 +0000

The beautiful parang gift from Danny

Since my trip to Sarawak, I have fallen in love with parangs from Sarawak. Old school it may be but these blades of the Orang Ulu are amazingly functional and tried tested. I have a few parang Ilang but recent pieces given to me as gifts by Danny Voon of Kuching has really impressed me a lot.

Danny hails from Kuching Sarawak and I got to know him here. He left a comment, we exchanged a few emails, followed by phone calls and soon realized the one obvious thing we have in common is a keen interest in native blades. It turns out that Danny runs kayaking trips in Kuching, ranging from short river trips to paddles that last up to 8 hours! He also does personalized trek to ‘less traveled’ places in Borneo. Perfect! And a few months after I first got to know him, Danny came to KL for a visit. That’s when he surprised me with 2 pieces of most beautiful parang from Sarawak that I have ever seen.

A comparison to my Mora Viking

I was speechless when I saw the parangs. I did not know what to say. They were way more beautiful than any blades I have ever seen. Danny assured me over and over again that the blade was a user blade, meaning it is for real use. The carvings on the handle and the sheath were made by an Iban smith. All handmade and completed just a couple of days before he came over to K.L.

Note how the string is threaded through the sheath

A closer look

The amount of detail that goes into the making of this parang is amazing. Danny, an avid collector himself described to me he only met this particular craftsman recently and found his work to be extremely unique. All the work is handmade using traditional tools and the carvings adorns both sides of the sheath which is rare. Most commonly found parangs would have carvings only on the outer side it seems.

The carving on the hilt

These belongs to the craftsman- Picture by Danny Voon

Above are some pieces owned by the same craftsman and the tools to the right are tools for carving. I told Danny I would love to meet this traditional craftsman. A good excuse to go to Kuching. In the mean time, thank you so very much Danny for this beautiful parang from Sarawak. As much as you insist that I use it, unfortunately it will remain as part of my most treasured collection items.

Click here and here for more on parangs (and its related subjects) on our blogsite.

A Sarawak Parang blade from Apai74

Keong — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:47:25 +0000

The Parang which is a gift to me from Apai74

This is a beautiful Sarawak Parang blade I received from my friend Apai74. Apai74 or James is no stranger in knife forums like BritishBlades and MKF. I got in touch with him some time back through a mutual friend and a few months ago, James’ package of ‘Parang’ arrived at my office. Oh…what a beauty.

I know James is a blade lover. He told me he made ‘part’ of this Parang and I am hoping that one day I will be able to visit him and his ‘workshop’. I have seen some of the local Malaysian blade smith but most of them churn out pieces by hundreds in a day. James is the only person I know so far in Malaysia that makes blade out of interest.

I was impressed the moment I tore the packaging open to reveal the Parang. The handle felt good and the sheath fitted perfectly. The shape of the blade resembles a little bit like my other Parang Candong but much shorter in total length.

The new Parang from Apai74 (middle) compared to my other Candong & a Mora Viking

How does it cut? Unbelievable! I tried shaving my leg with the Parang and it did just that, something I thought only possible with my Carbon Steel Mora.

It did not take me long to put the Parang to test. Behind my house there is a dead tree, waiting to break and smash into one of the houses nearby. About 2 feet off the ground, the tree trunk measured nothing less than 9 inches in diameter. A few of the neighbors got together and one of them brought along an old rusted Parang to ‘chop’ the tree down. Obviously the rusted Parang didn’t do anything except tire down Mr Chong. So…out came James’s Parang and I started chopping the tree. Within a few good strikes, chunks of wood were already taken off the tree. Mr Chong looked at me and said “wow…can I try?”. “Of course you can but if you chop off your own leg, I am not sending you to the hospital!”

I think it took us less than 10 minutes to finally chop the tree down. While we were all rather surprised at how hard the dead and dry tree was, I was particularly more amazed at how efficient the Parang is at eating into the tree!

Blade of the Parang James made for me

I wish I can say that the Parang is part of my main kit these days. The fact is that the Parang is too damn sharp for me to be carrying around for now. Especially when people I am out with tend to ‘borrow’ gears from each other.

Well James, I can tell you that if you ever want to sell anymore of your hand-made blades, let me know. I wouldn’t mind another piece…or more!

Malat & Penat, the Penan’s jungle parang and knife

Keong — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:55:32 +0000

The Penan’s parang comes in a complete set!

It is true that people say the best blade for any one place is the ones the locals there use. This is no exception for the Penans of Sarawak. I was fortunate there were a couple of Penan guides on a trip to the interior of Sarawak jungle. For the first time in my life, I saw how the parang used by the Penans.

Ngang- a Penan living in the interior of Sarawak

This is Ngang. He is one of the Penan guides with my group into the jungle in Sarawak. Not only is he a guide, he is also a hunter, a boat maker, a boatman (obviously) and a blade smith. An incredibly shy guy, he truly is a man of the jungle.

As a blade smith at Long San and his home at Long Bekok, Ngang makes Parangs to sell and for his own use as well. A few of the Parangs carried by the Penan guides on our trip were actually made by him. When he told me that he made the few Parangs specially for this trip, I thought I’d ask if he is willing to sell them.

Now, buying Parangs used by the locals, especially those made and used by the indigenous have been frowned upon by certain quarters. This is especially true when people pay peanuts for historical artifacts and resell them for heaps of profit. I share the sentiment totally but this was a different case (my rational at least). Ngang made these few Parangs specifically for this trip and he knows people will want to buy it off him. So, he is more than happy to sell them (after the trip of course). His family Parang is still probably hanging on the wall of his house!

Ngang was proud to show me the few Parangs he made that was used by the Penan guides. Turns out that 3 of the Penan guide’s Parangs were made by him.

The Parangs used by Ngang and the other guides are unique. Ngang told me the Penans call the big blade Malat while the smaller blade is called Penat.

The Malat and Penat compared to my Mora

The Penat (small knife) is attached to a long piece of round wood and secured in a rubber hose attached to the Malat’s sheath. In the original design, the Penat would have a sheath made of palm leaf. This would probably be the ‘modernized’ version!

The Penat is kept in a sheath attached to the main sheath

Unlike the Chandong, this Penan Parang is much lighter and really sharp. Ngang explained a bit how the blade (which is supposed to be leaf spring) was tempered and how the tang’s tip was skewered slightly to keep it from flying off the handle. Both blades have that ‘concave on side and flat on the other’ characteristic.

The Penat’s concave side

The Penat’s other side is almost flat

The blades side by side

The Malat is of course for heavier work, cutting trails and making shelters. The Penat on the other hand is used for more intricate works, including preparing feather sticks and food. This is the Parang used to harvest the Umbut I recorded in my video.

The Parang is worn on the side with the edge side facing upwards. I tried this and although it needs some getting used to, its main advantage I would say is that the blade’s edge is less likely to slice thru the sheath. This is because the blunt edge of the Parang is gravitationally sliding against the sheath when it is drawn. The edge is sliding freely, facing upwards. Well, the other explanation offered by a friend is that by drawing the Parang with the edge facing upwards allows the user to make an immediate slicing swing action, especially when taking off someone else’s head. Hmmm…

Ngang’s Parang is always on his side, with the blade’s edge facing upwards

So, I offered to buy the Parang Lok used to harvest the Umbut. Not too big nor too small. Ngang’s parang turns out (according to another mate) to be a pig sticker. Ngang is a hunter and I would not want to be carrying a pig sticker around!

This Parang was also made by Ngang, a Penan from Sarawak

I am proud to say that I did not bargain, not even a ringgit lesser than what Ngang wanted the Parang for. I think it is a good blade and I don’t mind paying for it. At least the money goes direct to the maker.

Later at the village of Long San, I met another of Ngang’s Penan friend. His name is Siang. He had a small bag on his bag and in it was a small Parang. A very different design. Siang told me the Parang he was carrying is known also as a Duku.

Siang, a Penan with his Duku Parang

Now, the Duku too is a really nice Parang!

Continue reading other parts of this adventure below:

First time in Miri Town, Sarawak
Wild durian & Kolok mee at Miri.
5 hours on a 4WD into interior off Miri.
Unique local houses in Sarawak interior.
Smoked wild boar…nice!
Loooong hike to look for an elusive waterfall.
Sarawak river boats and a raging river.
Jungle vines and rattan used in the jungles of Sarawak.
Umbut or heart of palm tasting, first experience.
Harvesting of the umbut by the Penan.
Malat & Penat; the Penan’s blades.
Kitchen in a traditional house.
Video on jungle kitchen & feather stick making.

Click here to read about another rainforest adventure in Semban, Sarawak.

Click here and here for more on parangs (and its related subjects) on our blogsite.