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.

Iban Design on Street Floor

Looking down at the pavement I could see that the Iban motifs are effectively used in the pavement design at the Kuching waterfront, the site of this year Sarawak Regatta held in conjunction with Sarawak's 45 years of independence through Malaysia.

Main Bazaar Street turns Pedesterian

The Main Bazaar Street turns pedestrian for the duration of the Sarawak Regatta '08.

Food and drinks of all types and descriptions were sold at hundreds of  makeshift stalls for the convenience of the public and visitors to the regatta. They added much colour and interest to the overall festiviity of the river regatta. This long stretch of walk is parallel to the Kuching Waterfront.

Sarawak Regatta 2008

This year the Sarawak Regatta is organised on a grand scale since it is held in conjunction with the forty five ( 45) years of Sarawak Independence through  Malaysia.  The regatta is held at the Kuching Waterfront here in Kuching City, Sarawak, Malaysia from the 1-3 August. Thousands of people flocked to the Kuching Waterfront to witness the festivities and some side shows or attractions, which I'll post later.

As part of the official launching ceremony many decorated long boats moved slowly as they paraded past the grand stand.  The boats displayed the varied costumes and music of  the local people . If you are to zoom in to the above picture , you'll see an Iban man dressed as a warrior  carrying the Malaysian flag.

Colourful yellow sampans took their turns in taking the ceremonial pass.

A LS ( Long Shot) view of the long boats participating in the ceremonial parade.

River kayaks also participated in the show to much merriment, excitement and fun.