The Kejaman tribe is a lesser known minority ethnic group within the Kajang community. Not much is known about the tribe that can only be found in Belaga, a district in the Kapit Division of Saawak.
In Belaga, the Kejamans reside in two villages, namely, Kampung Kejaman Neh, Long Liten on the banks of the Rajang River, and Rumah Kejaman Lasah on the Segaham River.
I had the opportunity to know a little bit about the Kejamans when participating in a working visit to Kampung Kejaman Lasah on the Segaham River recently.
The village is located approximately 187 kilometres from Bintulu town.
It took approximately three hours of travelling by land before we reached a stop by the Rajang river. From there, we used a boat to reach the village located across the river.
Kampung Kejaman Lasah
Kampung Kejaman Lasah, home to 640 villagers, consists of six longhouse blocks with 128 doors. Most of the residnets have been Christians since 1972. There is a Catholic church in the village.
The villagers have been enjoying 24-hour electricity supply channelled from the Bakun Dam for the last two years. They have water from a gravity water system from the mountain nearby for daily use.
There is a primary school, known as Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Segaham, in the village. The children continue their secondary education at SMK Belaga and some other secondary schools.
Roads are the Kejamans’ main form of transport to Bintulu and nearby towns. But they also use boats to bring all the necessities and building materials bought from Belaga town.
Fishing is their main occupation.
Kejaman noblewoman
During my working visit, I had the chance to meet a Kejaman noblewoman known as Laja Levauk Maren Uma, Sylvia Senah Lasah, 54.
“There are not many of us but we do not lag behind in education. Many of us are highly educated and some of our women are tribal leaders.
“Right now, we have a Kejaman who has been appointed as a doctor and all of us are so proud here,” said Senah.
Uniqueness of ‘Suwei’ dance
From Senah, I learnt that the Suwei dance was a traditional dance of the Kejamans.
Usually, this dance is presented at a special ceremony or to celebrate the arrival of visitors to the longhouse, especially famous people and tourists.
It is performed by a group and a leader, usually a man, in front of a group of female dancers. The leader will begin the movements followed by other dancers.
From my observation, the dance is similar to some of the other Orang Ulu dances.
The Suwei dance has made it into the Malaysia Book of Records. On December 23, 2015, a Suwei dance involving male participants and 520 women was performed at Kampung Kejaman Neh, Long Liten Belaga.
The record breaking dance was a collaboration between the two Kejaman longhouses, namely, Kampung Kejaman Neh Long and Kejaman Lasah Long Segaham, Belaga organised by the Sarawak Kejaman Association.
Bamboo decorative pieces
Another unique feature of the Kejamans is the use of shaved bamboo decorative pieces to welcome guests to their longhouses.
Kuih jala is one of the traditional Kejaman cakes passed down from generations to generations.
It will be made for celebrations or when mourning a death. On such occasions, traditional food made from glutinous rice such as kelupis and so on is also served.
When you visit Kampung Kejaman Lasah, don’t forget to visit its rock monument called Batu Tului. Most of the elderly here know about the existence of this rock.
Salong
Another major attraction if you visit this longhouse is a pole-shaped object standing majestic on the bank of the Rajang River.
Although it is believed to be over 80 years old, it still looks intact and stout.
Known as Salong to the Kejamans, it is a valuable legacy because in most of the longhouses today, there is no more erection of such objects.
Made of belian, the Salong used to store human bones in the past. No nails and modern tools were used to it.
There are several tajau (earthern vases), gong and antiques at Laja Levauk’s house, symbols of her status.
According to Louis Lehan, 60, who’s Senah husband, the Salong is there now a burial place for Senah’s close relative Sebuang Kebing and adopted child, Lutap Kesing.
One of the Salong sculptors who are still around is Pagang Tinyam, 82. Besides makin carvings on the Salong, he also used to be involved in the making of Kelirieng (burial poles).
Pagang hopes that the Salong at the longhouse will continues to be maintained properly because it is very valuable to the Kejamans and part of their heritage.
Perhaps, in future, tourism programmes could involve the Kejamans in Belaga District so that more Malaysians and the world will know about them.
