Kelabit
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Kelabit, who have close ties to the Lun Bawang, are an indigenous race of the Sarawak highlands. The elevation here is slightly over 1,200 meters. Because there are few roads and the area is largely inaccessible by river because of rapids, the highlands and the Kelabit are relatively untouched by modern western influences.
The Kelabit were isolated from western influence until after the end of the Second World War at which point this remote ethnic group was affected by the arrival of Christian missionaries. The Kelabit are now predominantly Christian. Prior to conversion they had a custom of erecting megaliths and digging ditches in honour of notable individuals.
With a population of approximately 5,000 people, the Kelabit is one of the smallest ethnic groups in Sarawak. Many Kelabits have migrated to live in urban areas over the last 20 years due to economic and social factors. It is estimated that only 1,200 Kelabit are still living in their remote homeland, leading a traditional life in their inherited longhouses. In tightly knit communities they practice a generations-old form of agriculture--they are cultivators of wet paddy, hill rice, maize, tapioca, pineapple, pumpkin, cucumber, beans and fruit. They are also great hunters and expert fisherman.
The Kelabit also raise buffalo, which they value very highly. Traditionally, the dowry for the upper class bride must consist of at least seven buffalo.
In the Second World War, the Kelabit like other natives of Borneo were coopted into the fight against the Japanese by the Allies. Tom Harrisson led the SEMUT operation which parachuted into their midst in 1945 to make contact; they were supplied weapons by the Australian military and played an essential role in the liberation of Borneo.
