Iban dance- Ngajat

Assalammualaikum.

For my last entry, I would like to focus on indigenous Iban dance. Before that, I would like to give few information on Iban tribe. Ibans are located in Sarawak who is formerly known during the colonial period by the British as Sea Dayaks. They practicing headhunting and tribal expension and had a fearsome reputation as a strong and successful tribe in ancient times.

Ngajat dance

Iban dance is known as ngajat dance. The traditional dance is believed to have been performed by warriors on their return from battles since the 16^th Century. The main festival for the Ibans is Gawai Dayak. Other festivals include the bird festival Gawai Burong and the spirit festival Gawai Antu. The male dancers will wear large feathers as part of their headgear, hold an ornate and long shield in their hand with chains, beads and a loincloth called ‘cawat’. While the female dancers have an elaborate headdress, chains, beads and a dress that reaches to below their knees with intricate weaving.

male dancer

the Ngajat dancers

This dance is now performed to celebrate the most important harvest festival called Gawai to welcome important guests to the longhouses. The Ibans who were traditionally animist, now the majorities of them are Christian. For the majority of Ibans who are Christians, some Christian festivals such as Christmas and Easter are also celebrated. Despite the difference in faiths, Ibans of different faiths do help each other during Gawai and Christmas celebrations. The differences in faith is never a problem in the Iban community.

references: Ngajat , Ibans