By Maya Green
The ‘Kuir’ or more commonly known as the ‘clouded leopard’ is a venerated animal of sorts to the Kelabits, the tribe that inhabits the highlands and plateaux region in Northern Sarawak named after them. The leopard is a majestic animal in its own right, just like the well renowned tiger.
The feline with saber like teeth, the Kuir is highly respected in the hierarchy of animals found in the rainforests. The leopard’s reputation is elevated to almost that of the legendary tiger, another of the apex predators that makes it to the highest points in the echelon of the elite denizens of the forests.
Both the tiger and the clouded leopard figure prominently in the traditional naming protocol of the Kelabits. So much so, that some important traditional names are adapted from the two apex predators. Probably, the rationale is due to the perceived noble attributes associated with these two felines.
Sometimes, we often joke that there are more tigers in the Kelabit Highlands than there are elsewhere in Borneo. People with the word ‘Tiger’ in their name are found throughout the length and breath of the highlands. Strangely, I have yet to see a real tiger despite all my years trekking up and down the rainforests, and joining numerous hunting trips into the wild countryside with my late father.
I have several uncles and relatives who have adopted the name ‘Balang’, which is the Kelabit word for the tiger. For example, there was a ‘Balang Lemulun’, (literally ‘the human tiger’) which, I thought, was a rather most presumptive name to take. I guess that particular uncle wanted to portray that he was the ‘Tiger Incarnate’.
Others included an uncle who was known as ‘Mayung Balang’ (Lit., The Man who speared the tiger/or is the super-hunter). Two doors away from ‘he who was renowned for spearing the tiger’, was ‘Dara Balang’ (Blood of the Tiger). So, by interpretive logic, one uncle was the brave one who had beaten all the rest to be the first person to ‘spear the tiger’ during the hunt.
Out of the brave act, and singular accomplishment of Mayung Balang, came uncle ‘Dara Balang’ — he who is ‘the blood of the tiger’. So it looks like both of them claimed affiliation to the same animal taken down during the same hunt.
Squeezed in the middle, in the longhouse setting where we lived, and in between the two tigers earlier mentioned, was me, ‘Balang Nadun’ (The Tiger which sets the pace or who bears the standard). My traditional name was actually that of my late grandfather’s on my mother’s side. I have had requested from the elders to inherit the ‘name-right’ in order to preserve and propagate the name, memory of, and to carry on my grandfather’s legacy. Graciously, they had agreed to my request.
During a formal ceremony in the village of Pa Umor, my grandpa’s village, the name was duly conferred by popular acclamation and duly announced to all who attended the feast and, ipso facto, to the whole community at large. From that moment on, I was to be known as ‘Balang Nadun’, the standard bearer tiger, in the community.
There was a person called ‘Balang Tauh’ (Our Tiger), the import was to portray that he is the most loved one from amongst all the tigers in the community. One of my cousins, who is living in Long Lellang, is called ‘Balang Meput’, the ‘everywhere and ever present tiger’! What he was trying to say was that he was the most popular guy in the community, I guess. Indeed, his personality is such that he can get along well with everyone. So the name was really appropriate for him. And along the same line, there was a ‘Balang Buren’, the Tiger most talked about or always being recollected.
There were, and are, many others, too. Too many to individually account here. So indeed, it can safely be said that the Kelabit Highlands is full of prowling tigers; well figuratively and not literally, that is. So welcome to tiger country! Welcome to ‘The Land of Feline Prowlers’.
As for the clouded leopard, in terms of names I can only recall one person whose name is linked to the feline. His chosen traditional name is ‘Kuir Mangang’ (The Barking Leopard). I am not sure if I recall seeing or hearing a leopard which barks though. They are more shy and tends to move in the shadows of the tree tops and at night. I guess his rationale for adopting the name is as a metaphor to portray his unique attributes or aspiration as an individual, namely operating high and above everyone else. He wanted to be different from all the tigers around him. To stand out from the crowd. Clever fellow, this Kuir Mangang.
The leopard is more popular as a symbol of grace and elegant power. Leopards are known for their agility and are able to walk upside down in the trees! Yes, that’s true. So to the Kelabits the colours and spots of the leopards are preferred as the traditional livery or standards for the elders and traditional leaders. A symbol of agility, grace and elegance. Of being able to walk upside down!
In the past, actual leopard skins were used to make ‘tapung’ hats and as ‘bayang’ coats for use during war or in peace time for cultural warrior dance displays. Nowadays, faux or artificial materials are used. Makes me wonder where are the missing skins of the tigers or why the loud absence of the tiger from the rainforests nowadays?
Probably, tigers have been over hunted to the point of extinction in the not too distant past, especially after the introduction of the musket gun. Even the rhinoceros is no longer found in Sarawak probably for the same reason as the mystical tiger. I have heard from my own father, about tales of long hunting trips, lasting weeks, to tract down the rhinoceros whose horn was much sought after, as it fetched a handsome price in the towns down river and along the coast.
Finally, between the tiger and the clouded leopard we can safely say that the tiger rules the ground but the ‘King of the Canopies’ is undoubtedly the clouded leopard. It’s your choice as to which naming protocol you would like to choose, should you wish to adopt a Kelabit name. The Kelabits have made their vote clear, going by the many who have adopted the tiger as their namesake. Very overwhelmingly so, for the tiger as their preferred alter ego.
Dateline:
9:53 AM
15 December 2023
Onboard MH2724 KUL/BTU
