Dusun Sadap: The Weaving Village of the Iban Tribe in West Kalimantan
Dusun Sadap, located in Desa Menua Sadap, Kapuas Hulu Regency, West Kalimantan, is famously known as the weaving village. Situated along the banks of the Batang Kanyau River, this hamlet is inhabited by the Iban people from the Ketemenggungan Iban Menua Sadap community. Some residents still live in Rumah Panjang (Longhouse) consisting of 16 rooms, while others reside in separate nearby homes. Weaving is a distinctive activity here, with many women spending their days weaving on the verandas of the Rumah Panjang (Longhouse).
History and Traditional Values of Iban Weaving
Weaving is a tradition passed down through generations among the Iban people. This activity holds deep cultural significance and is used in various traditional ceremonies, from birth to death. According to Iban oral history, the art of weaving was introduced by a heavenly woman named Endo Segadok, who is believed to have woven using dew as her main material. Endo Segadok is regarded as having a spiritual connection with humans, reflected in the weaving patterns often received by weavers through dreams.
The motifs and dyeing techniques of the weave are inherited from generation to generation, symbolizing important meanings and values in the lives of the Iban people. Each piece of woven fabric carries symbolic and magical messages, making it a meaningful work of art even today.
Meaning and Weaving Techniques in the Life of the Iban People
Weaving plays a vital role in the life of the Iban community. Each piece of woven cloth holds sacred meaning and is used in important life events, from birth to death. The fabric serves as coverings or decorations in traditional ceremonies such as gawai festivals, weddings, and other rituals. Additionally, woven cloth is worn as traditional clothing, including garments used in warfare in the past.
Iban weaving is characterized by four main colors: red, black, blue, and white. These colors are applied using four primary techniques: sidan, kebat, pilih (which includes pilih selam and pilih anyam), and sungkit. The intricate techniques and motifs showcase the high level of craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Use of Natural Dyes in Traditional Weaving
In the past, woven fabrics were made using yarn derived from kapok trees and dyed with natural colors sourced from the forest. Red hues came from the roots of the mengkudu plant or salam tree bark, blue from renggat leaves, and yellow from turmeric or temulawak. Although chemical dyes were once used, most weaving in Dusun Sadap has now returned to natural dyes to preserve authenticity and traditional values. However, using natural kapok yarn remains challenging due to the scarcity of raw materials, so most yarn used today is manufactured.
This weaving tradition not only reflects local wisdom but also maintains the close relationship between the Iban community and nature, which provides the essential materials for their dyes.
Iban Weaving: Unique Souvenirs and Cultural Tourism Experiences in Sadap
Weaving is not only a popular souvenir for visitors to Sadap but also offers a unique cultural tourism experience. The Endo Segadok weaving group in Sadap offers an educational weaving tour lasting 2-3 hours. During this tour, visitors can observe the weaving process firsthand, learn traditional techniques, and explore the stories behind the distinctive Iban motifs.
Visitors are guided by knowledgeable hosts who share fascinating insights about the history, cultural values, and uniqueness of Iban weaving. Beyond bringing home beautiful woven fabrics as souvenirs, this experience provides a deep understanding of the meaningful weaving traditions.
Reference: Yulandari, & Sungkar, R. (2024). Iban Weaving of Dusun Sadap, Kapuas Hulu – West Kalimantan. Indecon & TFCA Kalimantan, Endo Segadok.
