Orang Ulu Beadswork

Pencil holder placed on a beaded table mat.

Sarawak is increasingly famous for its beadswork. I find that the 'Orang Ulu' comprising in majority the Kayan, Kenyah and Kelabit of Sarawak have developed a high level of artistry in their beadswork. Today I met a wholesale trader specialising in Borneo beadswork. Below are samples of modern beadswork available as souveniers at many of the local handicrafts shops in Kuching, Sarawak.

The motifs vary from mythical animals, birds, dragons and patterns from plant life like flowers, fern fronds and shapes of leaves. The patterns and motifs are typical Borneoan in origin and so is the choice of colours. The above rectangular table mats come in various sizes. Square ones ( 30x30cm) and large rectangular pieces ( 60x150cm).

Trinklets from beads like these are popularly displayed in cars.