Consulate General of Malaysia, Hong Kong
Orang Ulu or Dayak women’s clothing
Orang Ulu or Dayak women’s clothing, as well as the various sub-ethnic groups below them, often use beads and sequins as decoration. This dress is made of velvet decorated with aso and dragon motif sequins. Their earrings, nicknamed iseng are made of copper to extend the length of ears, which is a pride for women, especially for the previous generation. The accessories on the head are the hats decorated with feathers, threads and beads loaded with interesting designs. The women wear red velvet ta’ah decorated with aso and dragon motif sequins.
Bidayuh men’s clothing
The male Bidayuh men wear a tawuop or tahup (long loincloth wrapped around the body with one end hanging down in front and the other at the back), the burang sumba (headgear) and occasionally the kima (armlets).
The Bidayuh vest is a sleeveless garment covering the upper body. The sleeveless, waist- or hip-length garment, with a front opening and worn over a shirt, blouse, dress, or other items of clothing for style. Very practical to wear during any functions and celebrations like Gawai, official meeting or dinner. It is a Bidayuh identity and a must-have for Bidayuh men. Like any fashion, the vest can also be worn by other communities for its practicality. The Bidayuh vest comes in black colour with white and red stripes, colours of the Bidayuh community. With yellow added to the stripes, the vest looks more vibrant for anyone who wears it.
The pangiah (bead necklace), made of high-quality ceramic beads and pendants, is worn around the neck. Its pendants are either from the teeth of wild animals or artificial teeth that add a modern touch to the necklace. The pangiah has colourful rows of beads stitched/tied together with strings of nylon or small wires stripe.