By Nicholas J. Ugik (BA Soc. Sce. History, UMS)
Introduction
Long time ago, headhunting one of a part Dayak life style. An Iban men who were growing up have to go through this practice to continue the next phase of married life. If he fails, he can not reach the standard in terms of a complete man of courage, dignity and self-esteem. Iban community believe in the old days was the practice of headhunting ritual performed to determine the status of a man, to be used in the practice of faith and also a symbol of power and courage.
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| Picture 1 The Iban Headhunter |
Headhunter Story and Background
A teenager man who had risen adult must prove their ability as a real man. The practice of headhunting is a platform to show courage and also feel the real situation chaotic environment at the time. The spirit also instilled courage actually to prepare them in defending themselves, their families and long house communities when attacked by enemies.
In the meantime, Iban culture at that time made the enemy’s head as a 'trophy' as evidence of courage for them to get a girl as a life partner. 'Trophy' this was going to be the size of a man's status and ability selected as a husband. The success of an Iban man in this age is determined by the number of heads of enemies who won and collected the booty in the form of jars (tajau), silverware, sword and also slaves.
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| Picture 2 The Iban Chief |
Other than that, the ritual also use some of the heads of enemies of ceremonial purposes. This can be seen when there is a ceremony of mourning the expiration of a 100-day ritual after death. In the past, the head of the enemy must be sought and used to complete the ceremony.
Although this practice is essentially barbarians but it also complies with the ethics that have been specified as prohibited headhunting during the harvest season and also a headhunting expedition into enemy territory only. This culture demands the perseverance and courage among headhunters. They fought to get the head of the enemy for the sake of status and also at the same time fighting to not get killed.
After some time in Borneo such as the Iban community, Kantu, Kayan and Kenyah practice this culture, it has become something quite taboo when James Brooke administration came to power in the state. The practice of headhunting banned after The Great Expedition. This is a military expedition deployed by Rajah Charles Vyner Brooke to Kayan settlements in Ulu Rajang to end their opposition to the government of Sarawak Kingdom. In 1924, Temenggong Koh representing the Iban and Penghulu Tama KiIla representing Kayan signed a agreement of peace , witnessed by Rajah Charles Vyner Brooke.
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| Picture 3 Heads of Enemies |
Headhunter Spirit with Contemporary Living Culture
Although this practice has ended long ago, but the tradition and spirit of an Iban warrior should be maintained at the present life because life is very demanding challenge. The concept of headhunters if translated into the life of the present time can be seen in perseverance for success and not give up in the face of challenges.
Nowadays, among the Iban community who are still struggling in the economic field, the level of education and poor participation in the workforce in the public sector. Reprinted from The Borneo Post that during the assembly debate on the State Council on 30 April 2015, the Iban community of only 28% participation in the state's civil service. This is a small amount considering the Iban-majority groups in Sarawak. According to statistics in 2014, the population of the Iban form 745, 400 people or 66.8% of the population in Sarawak. Whereas the participation of the business sector in the Iban community at present only very limited and small in scale.
Based on the shortcomings and weaknesses, then survival spirit should be incorporated in all individual Iban. The nature of the fight should be inside but not to cause chaos and fights. Conversely spirit headhunters should be applied to improve the performance of themselves and become better and so we managed to master the challenges in this life.
At the present time, headhunting is not in physical form, such as swords and battle but use science and also wisdom. Iban can be defended by members of the community. There are no other races, ethnic groups may also help Iban if not come from the community itself. Times have changed and cultural patterns of life has also changed. Nevertheless, the historical value should be preserved and practiced in life at the moment.
