The Dayak People
Children of Borneo - Keepers of the Rainforest - Masters of the Longhouse
Who Are the Dayak?
The Dayak are the indigenous peoples of Borneo comprising over 200 distinct ethnic subgroups. They have inhabited Borneo's dense rainforests for thousands of years, building impressive longhouses, developing sophisticated agriculture, and maintaining rich spiritual traditions connected to the forest.
Culture & Traditions
Longhouse Living
The longhouse is the quintessential Dayak dwelling - massive wooden structures on stilts housing entire communities. These represent Dayak social organization and communal values, with individual family apartments along a central corridor and communal verandahs for gatherings.
Traditional Tattoos
Dayak tattoos (pantang) cover body parts with intricate designs marking achievements, social status, and life transitions. Tattooing traditions are being revived among younger Dayak as cultural pride grows.
Rainforest Knowledge
Dayak have extensive traditional ecological knowledge of rainforest plants, animals, and sustainable resource use. They practice swidden agriculture requiring sophisticated environmental understanding passed through generations.
Image Gallery
