Cockfighting must be considered a barbarous diversion.
– Edward Law, first Baron Ellenborough
The few weeks before and after the last Gawai Dayak, cockfighting enthusiasts in Saratok enjoyed their pastime despite some interruptions by the cops.
The cockfighting sessions showed perfect harmony among Iban cockers and their Chinese, Malay and Indonesian counterparts, their common interest being manifested in the battles in the cockfighting pit “menalan”.
Typically, in such sessions the “menalan” becomes the centre of action. Rich men, poor men, government servants, politicians, businessmen, farmers, pensioners, labourers become equals while exchanging bets and tips around the pit.
Most of the time I let my two older siblings bet on my behalf while I watched from a safe distance. I remember seeing many years ago how a poor friend’s life totally changed after his left leg was slashed by the “taji” (cockfighting spur) of a fierce cockerel.
Over the weeks our losses were more than our gains. However, it was not a total loss for me as I offset it with some useful tips from a “taji” expert. During a break, I sat next to one Sandah Eli of Rumah Nyuak at Nanga Maras, Saratok. Over some cans of beer, I managed to get him to talk about his “taji” experience.
The 63-year-old Kapit native has 28 years of experience making cockfighting spurs. Today, apart from selling salted fish, “taji” making is his economic mainstay. He sells each spur for RM100.
“I can make four ‘taji’ daily and then spends some hours sharpening them. By the end of the second day, all are ready for sale,” he said.
Endowed with fingertips deemed impenetrable by needles, the amiable father of three pointed out various risks involved in “taji” making.
These include spurs that easily break or bent. He said “taji tinchin” (ring spur) is more difficult to make compared to “taji sulat” (straight spur). He also makes the head or base for the “taji sulat” for RM35 each.
His spurs which are usually 3.6 inches, 3.8 inches and 4.0 inches long are usually made on order from clients. For a small fee he also helps them to sharpen the spurs.
When I asked him how and why cockfighting in Sarawak is considered an Iban custom, Sandah said he had no idea. So, I related a story about a legendary fight between cockerels that belonged to Iban folklore hero Keling and his cousin Keling Langit (Sky Keling). Their bet was Kumang, the most beautiful damsel in the Iban world of old.
According to my late maternal grandma, Kejuang Meling (1891-1988), renowned for her story-telling skill, Keling Langit visited his cousin and namesake at Panggau Libau (Raised World). Both fell in love with Kumang, whose abode was at Gelung, just a walking distance from Panggau Libau. After getting Kumang’s agreement as bet for a cockfight between the two suitors, the legendary “sabung” (fight) was held.
Keling chose a “biring sengayan” (red-feathered) gamecock whereas his cousin chose a “labang belansi” (white-feathered) cockerel as his “champion”.
On the eve of the cockfight, Keling summoned all his guardian spirit to render his gamecock impenetrable by any “taji”. Then on the day of the fight, with Kumang seated on a special pedestal, the Keling cousins made ready their gamecocks in the centre of the “menalan”. At a signal from the fight chief judge, Keling and his cousin let their gamecocks decide who would be Kumang’s husband.
The birds actually fought in the air and never touched the ground. After nearly half a day, the spectators noticed a white feather falling followed shortly after by the body of Keling Langit’s “labang belansi”. A few minutes later, the red-feathered cockerel settled down gently on Keling’s shoulder with its spur still intact. Just like the bird, Keling himself was impenetrable by any sharp weapon.
The chief judge then declared that Keling’s cockerel was the winner and that Keling could claim Kumang as his bride. In shame Keling Langit left for his abode in the sky and never went down to earth again.
Hitherto, cockfighting or “nyabung” has become an Iban traditional game with the fights usually held to launch a ceremony or celebration of festivals including the “end of a mourning period” (ngetas ulit).
Usually for these occasions, no licence or permit from any governmental authority is required. Just verbal approval, especially from the police, is sufficient as the fights are always localised.
I reminded Sandah that cockfighting around the world has a long history.
In Europe cockfighting dates back to the time of Julius Caesar in 44 BC and the reign of King Henry II in England who made Whitehall Palace into a venue of cockfighting which was then considered “sports of kings”. This went on until the 19th century when it was stopped by Queen Victoria.
In America famous men such as Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln were said to be leading cockers and even held cockfights prior to sessions of Congress.
In Asia, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Afghanistan are known for cockfights with the Philippines for playing a leading role.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the New Sarawak Tribune.
