3 Traditional Handicrafts from East Kalimantan: Beads, Weaving, and Tenun Ulap Doyo:
East Kalimantan, a province in Indonesia, is home to an array of traditional handicrafts deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. These crafts are not just art forms but integral parts of daily life, passed down through generations. Crafted using natural materials from the surrounding environment, these handicrafts embody the region’s cultural wealth. Let’s delve into three iconic crafts from East Kalimantan.
1. Beads from East Kalimantan
Beads hold a prominent place in East Kalimantan’s craft heritage. This tradition dates back to ancient times, supported by archaeological findings that reveal the legacy of bead-making among the Dayak people.
Historical Roots:
Research by Dutch scholars indicates that the Dayak Benuaq people of East Kalimantan may have descended from the Lewangan tribe of Central Kalimantan. This shared ancestry explains the cultural similarities, including bead-making, between these regions. Historically, beads were made from materials such as stone, wood, bone, glass, and shells. They were shaped through grinding and pierced using traditional drilling techniques.
Cultural Significance:
Beads serve various purposes in Dayak society, such as symbols of social status, burial artifacts, and even magical objects with spiritual value. During the Kutai Kartanegara Kingdom, beads adorned royal wedding beds and other ceremonial items. Today, beads have evolved into popular souvenirs, particularly in Tenggarong, where tourists often purchase them as keepsakes.
2. Weaving in East Kalimantan
The Dayak people excel in crafting woven items using natural materials, primarily rattan. This flexible and durable material is skillfully woven into products like hats, mats, baskets, and traditional backpacks known as anjat.
The Iconic Anjat:
The anjat is a cylindrical backpack commonly made by the Kenyah Bakung tribe of East Kalimantan. Measuring approximately 70 cm in height and 50 cm in diameter, this versatile bag serves different purposes: men use it for carrying hunting tools, while women use it to store clothing or food when farming.
3. Tenun Ulap Doyo Fabric:
One of East Kalimantan’s most celebrated crafts is the Tenun Ulap Doyo, a traditional woven fabric made by the Dayak Benuaq tribe. The name derives from doyo leaves, a type of wild pandan plant found in the region.
Production Process:
To create this durable fabric, the doyo leaves are dried, sliced along their fibers, and spun into coarse threads. These threads are then woven into fabric with various uses, including formal attire, everyday wear, tablecloths, and even bags or book covers.
East Kalimantan’s handicrafts are more than artistic expressions—they reflect the region’s rich history and vibrant cultural identity. These crafts not only provide economic opportunities for local artisans but also preserve the traditions and stories of the Dayak people. Whether it’s intricately beaded jewelry, functional woven items, or the timeless beauty of Tenun Ulap Doyo, each craft represents the spirit and creativity of East Kalimantan.