The Nanga Sumpa longhouse is home to 30 families of the Iban tribe. We
travelled up the river Batang Ai; there are two wooden buildings,
separated by a wooden bridge over a small stream.
|
|
Speeding in the Iban longboats across the lake, the
banks covered in dense forest, was like a journey into the unknown -
what was round the corner? (RW and RGJ) |
|
|
The lodge at Nanga Sumpa is built along the same
principles as the longhouse, although it is in a square, built
around an open area with large tree in the middle (CC) |
|
|
Iban tribesman fishing from his longboat. (RW and RGJ) |
|
|
"Rambo" (we were never sure that this was
his real name!) is an Iban farmer who showed us how they survive
from the forest (CS) |
|
|
River crossing at Nanga Sumpa as Rives and Rambo led us to the
farming areas.
(RW and RGJ)
|
|
 
 
|
Having seen it countless times in text books, it was
wonderful to see latex being tapped from a rubber tree. (RW, RGJ, CC
and CS)
|
|
|
Scooping out flesh from the palm for us to try (CC) |
|
|
Rives explained the process of shifting cultivation.
Here tapioca and dry rice are being grown. (RW and RGJ)
|
|
|
A newly wed girl; she was helping her husband gather
leaves from the forest. (CS) |
|
|
During our walk in the forest, our guide showed us
some of the ways in which the Iban people use the forest for their
sustenance. This is one method of fishing in the small stream. Why
is the fishing net pointing down stream? (CS)
|
|
|
One of the small huts in a forest clearing, used by
the farmers to store goods (CC) |
|
|
Gathering bamboo at the side of a stream (CC) |
|
 
|
Put another bamboo stick on the
barby! Cooking jungle
style, fresh meat and bamboo stuffed with rice and vegetables. (RW
and RGJ and CC)
|
|
  |
Lunch! This tasty array is the result of finds in the
forest; carefully prepared by the Iban ladies. (CC and CS) |
|
|
Small tributary of Batang Ai river, near Nanga Sumpa
(CC) |
|
|
A longhouse settlement as seen from the river. This is
quite a modern one. (CS) |
|
|
Hanging out the washing! Clothes do not take long to
dry in the heat (unless it rains of course!) (CC) |
|
|
Steps leading to the longhouse; they are carved into
the trunk of a tree; quite perilous climbing these, especially in
the dark and wet! (CS) |
|
|
The interior of the village chairman's house; note the
3 piece suite, family photos on the wall, Christmas decorations, and
hi fi system. (CS) |
|
|
An Iban girl making mats which will be used for
sitting on; they might also be sold to tourists. (CS) |
|
|
An Iban family at the door of their home. (CS) |
|
 
 
|
The Iban people entertained us with their traditional
dances; they invited us to join in too! (CS) |
 
|
A longboat trip upstream from the longhouse was very
eventful; we were rewarded with this waterfall and plunge pool which
make a great swimming pool for the group! (CC)
|
|
 
|
Mosquito net, mattress, what more do you need for a
good night's sleep? Morning alarm call from the cockerel too! (RW
and RGJ)
|
 
|
The longhouse was about 26 years old and has reached
the end of its life and is not large enough for all the families.
They are busy preparing timber to build the new longhouse. (CC)
|
 
|
A palm kernel from the palm tree; although once a very
important cash crop, is declining now although there are still many plantations
throughout Malaysia. The oil from the palm kernel is used in make
products such as soap and shampoo. (CC_
|
