KUCHING: Although the world is modern, the practices, customs, beliefs and culture of our ancestors continue to be preserved and practised, especially among the Iban.
Among the items that continue to be practised until now is the ‘miring’, a ceremony to honour ‘petara’ (spirits and spirits of ancestors).
Typically, it is held during the Gawai Dayak and other festive seasons. But when necessary or in need, this ritual can also be done to find success in life, as well as after the occurrence of something undesirable.
In fact, in general, it is also held to seek blessings, protection, happiness, peace and harmony in an Iban community. What makes it unique is that each district or village has its way of doing this ceremony.
Committed to preserving this ancestral culture, a tilting ceremony was organised in Tanjung Lobang, Miri by the Indigenous Cultural Defenders last weekend with around 50 local people in attendance.
According to the founder of the Kaban Menyadi Club, Thomas Patrick, he organised the ceremony to ask for God’s blessing for more sustenance.
“This ceremony is organised according to suitability and invitation from certain parties when there is a celebration.
“Today, the changes and differences in the miring ceremony performed by the Iban community are done according to their location, but the goal and requirements remain the same, which is to ask for blessings, protection and happiness in life,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
He said the ceremony was officiated at by the Head of Customs, Panglima Bah Tunggal Laurance Uri.
He added that as a non-governmental organisation (NGO), it is committed to empowering, supporting and elevating the culture of the Iban community in Sarawak.
“In addition, I and my comrade in arms, Ismail Lumut, are the first activists in this state to be recognised by the Kalimantan Customs Council, the Sabah Customs Council and the Sarawak Iban Customs Council,” he added.
For the record, several types of ‘piring’ (plates and bowls) are used during the miring; usually ‘Piring Turun Tiga’ is prepared during the normal miring ceremony, while Piring Five is used to erect a longhouse. For higher activities such as long-distance travelling expeditions (bejalai), the Seven-Level Plates will be used while the Nine-Level Plates are prepared for war.
The dishes involved consist of white and black glutinous rice, white rice, floating cigarettes, tobacco, boiled eggs, betel and areca nuts, salt, cooking oil and sagun. The ingredients need to be watered with ‘Tuak’ water first before being packed and stored in a Kelingkang or Seregang, which is a special basket made of bamboo. A special basket containing this plate will be placed in a location according to the type of ceremony.
Like other ethnic groups with their uniqueness, the Iban community shows that even though the world is modern, it is not a reason for them not to practise the customs of the past and also reminds us of the colourful culture found in the Borneo Islands.
