Every ethnic group possesses its unique characteristics, and when given the opportunity, each strives to promote and preserve its culture and heritage to the fullest extent.
This instinct arises naturally, fuelled by the pride that respective communities hold in their cultural identity and their desire to safeguard their traditions for future generations. Some are willing to make sacrifices, and a few even go to the extent of commercializing their culture by selling arts and crafts that generate income.
Such developments need not be viewed negatively, as they can provide economic opportunities while simultaneously celebrating and sharing the essence of their heritage with the world. From my perspective, it’s a win-win situation for the community, fostering both cultural pride and economic sustainability.
That being said, I do acknowledge that every community must be discerning about the aspects of the culture they choose to preserve. I wholeheartedly agree that not all elements warrant preservation.
Hence, it is crucial for them to carefully evaluate which aspects might be detrimental and should be relinquished, while still preserving the richness and essence of their heritage intact.
Furthermore, we should not uphold traditions that hinder progress for ourselves and future generations.
With this argument in mind, I find myself perplexed by the viewpoint expressed by the esteemed Dayak academician, Prof Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan, who deems the holding of the Kumang Gawai pageant as demeaning, particularly to the Dayak womenfolk.
Prof Jayum, who holds the Tan Sri Empiang Jabu Research Chair in Dayak Women’s Studies at Universiti Putra Malaysia and a fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, recently called upon Dayak NGOs, especially the women’s movement Sarawak Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS), to take the lead in shaping and redefining Dayak culture.
He further asserted that the Kumang Gawai was never originally part of the harvest festival.
“I am surprised that Dayak and Iban women do not voice their concerns regarding activities such as beauty contests, especially the Kumang. I would have thought this event degrades and demeans Dayak and Iban women, who are publicly paraded,” he was quoted as having said.
However, what could be demeaning about the Kumang Gawai pageant, a tradition deeply rooted in Dayak culture, particularly among the Iban, for countless generations? Which aspects of the pageant trouble the professor?
At every state or national-level Gawai celebration, as well as at division, district, or village levels, the Kumang Gawai often takes centre stage. It is the main highlight of the event.
Frankly, I cannot comprehend why Prof Jayum labelled it as demeaning and called for a reevaluation of holding Kumang Gawai contests by Dayak-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Although I admit that I am not an expert in Dayak culture, I respectfully disagree with Prof Jayum’s perspective. As far as I am concerned, the Kumang Gawai is intricately woven into Dayak culture and Gawai celebrations.
For many, including those from other ethnic backgrounds in Sarawak, the celebration would be incomplete without the presence of the Kumang Gawai pageant.
We must also recognize that it is deeply ingrained in Dayak culture and closely associated with Gawai Dayak, an annual celebration on June 1st and 2nd. This tradition has endured for generations.
Even if we were to accept Prof Jayum’s perspective that Kumang Gawai was not originally part of Gawai Dayak, its widespread acceptance and incorporation into Dayak culture and heritage have firmly established its importance as an integral aspect of Dayak culture.
I wholeheartedly agree with Kapit MP Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who argues that the Kumang Gawai pageant is a showcase of Iban cultural heritage and in no way demeaning to the community’s womenfolk.
“It is a contest where we exhibit our ‘ngepan’ (Iban women’s traditional costume), ‘sugu tinggi’ (headgear), crafts, and more.”
Nanta’s explanation of the pageant is accurate. It is widely known that participants in the pageant are primarily judged based on their costumes rather than their physical appearance.
Thus, it is more about showcasing, celebrating, and preserving the community’s cultural heritage and tradition. That is likely why the community has succeeded in preserving and promoting its traditional costumes even among the younger generation.
During every Gawai or special occasion, we cannot help but notice members of the Dayak community proudly donning traditional costumes, albeit with some modern design and trend adjustments.
This has also had significant ripple effects, with many Dayak individuals, as well as those from other races, seizing the opportunity to engage in the creation and sale of traditional Dayak costumes and accessories.
Throughout the state, vendors selling these items can be found. Sales often surge as Gawai Dayak approaches each year. What is demeaning about that?
‘Culture is the widening of the mind and of the spirit.’
– Jawaharlal Nehru (1889 – 1964); an Indian politician and statesman who played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule. He was the first Prime Minister of India from its independence in 1947 until his death in 1964.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
