SIBU: Their presence across smaller towns in the interiors of Sarawak at special events often leave spectators awestruck.

Dressed in animal skin vests, headgear decorated with the head of kenyalang (rhinoceros hornbill) and the feathers of enggang (other types of hornbill), boar tusk necklaces and swords decorated with human hair, the members of Kelab Gagung Sarawak (KGS) are quite a sight.

The costume represents how Iban warriors used to dress before going to war.

These days, KGS members would put on the costume at special Iban community functions to welcome the arrival of dignitaries and make the events livelier.

The community is proud that the KGS is reviving a dying practice of the Iban community.

KGS was set up in 2004 by Sammy Ngelambai, 58, who was making animal skin vests called gagung and the lelanjang headgear adorned with the head of a kenyalang called Tangkung Kenyalang.

“Originally, there were only 12 people, including Sammy, who were interested in making the Iban warrior outfit. His passion attracted others who helped in collecting accessories to complete the costume,” said club president Jabang Juntan.

Jabang said the idea to form the club came about after they were asked to welcome dignitaries at a longhouse in Melipis, Kanowit, while dressed in the full gagung attire.

In the past, Iban warriors used the skin of large animals like bears to make gagung but now these animals are becoming extinct.

As an alternative, Sammy uses Jamnapari goatskin bought from Indonesia.

“Local goatskin cannot be used because of its small size,” Jabang said.

The Tangkung Kenyalang and hornbill feathers are also difficult to obtain as the birds are protected.

“These items are inherited by KGS members from their ancestors. It is possible to make imitation tangkung using other materials like wood but there are none for the feathers,” said Jabang.

Jabang said they sell gagung for between RM650 and RM800 but they do not sell the headgear.

“For the headgear, people now need to get their own material and we will make it for a fee of RM250,” Jabang added.

Other accessories such as boar tusks, armlet, sword and cigarette containers are easier to get, either from hunters, longhouse residents or craft shops.

“And no, we don’t wear loincloths. Instead we wear long black pants and black leather shoes,” he said. — Bernama