A RARE Iban war jacket featuring a unique blend of traditional and modern motifs has been added to the Sarawak Museum Department’s (JMS) collection, making it one of the most significant recent contributions to the state’s cultural preservation efforts.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the piece was donated by Mark A. Johnson, an antique collector from Los Angeles, who recognised the cultural value of ensuring the item returns to Sarawak.
“The war jacket is a remarkable artefact that reflects the artistic evolution and craftsmanship of the Iban community.
“Its design, which combines traditional elements with modern interpretations, makes it an important addition to our museum’s ethnographic collection,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Abdul Karim said the new acquisition comes alongside several other valuable donations that continue to strengthen the museum’s efforts to document and preserve Sarawak’s heritage.
“Among them are 26 ethnographic artefacts donated by Teresa Platt, originally collected in the 1960s in Pakit, Sri Aman, by her mother, Monica Platt, an Iban woman married to a New Zealander.
”The items include brass and silverware, wood carvings, a miniature cannon, a gong, a parang, a paddle, tuntun petik, kain kebat and a spear.
Another major donation is 13 traditional Orang Ulu fishing tools from Mei Ang, collected during her research in Baram during the 1970s.
“These contributions are invaluable in complementing our existing collection and ensuring future generations have access to an accurate and comprehensive understanding of Sarawak’s cultural history,” he said.
He added that JMS continues to welcome historically significant artefacts from the public.
On another note, Abdul Karim also highlighted the growing popularity of the Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM), which has recorded 1.4 million visitors since its opening in March 2022.
“Between January and October this year, BCM welcomed 236,971 visitors, cementing its position as one of the state’s top cultural attractions.
“BCM also made its debut in the Museum World Ranking, placing 289th out of 421 museums globally through an international online voting initiative.
“These achievements reflect the confidence and interest that both locals and international visitors have in Sarawak’s cultural institutions,” he said.
