Dayak facts for kids

A Dayak boy and girl from 1912.

The Dayak are the original people who live on the island of Borneo. Borneo is a large island in Southeast Asia. It is divided into parts belonging to Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The word "Dayak" actually describes many different groups of people. Because of this, there isn't just one "Dayak culture." Instead, each group has its own unique traditions and ways of life.

Who are the Dayak People?

The Dayak people have lived on Borneo for thousands of years. They are known for their strong connection to nature. They often live near rivers and forests. Each Dayak group has its own language and customs. This makes the Dayak people very diverse.

Where Do Dayak People Live?

Most Dayak people live in the rainforests of Borneo. This island is shared by three countries. Many Dayak live in the Indonesian parts of Borneo. These parts are called Kalimantan. Others live in the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah. A smaller number live in the country of Brunei.

Dayak Beliefs and Religions

For a long time, Dayak people had their own special religions. These beliefs were often about nature and spirits. Over time, many Dayak people started following other religions.

Ancient Traditions: Animism and Shamanism

Originally, Dayak people believed in animism. This means they thought spirits lived in everything around them. Spirits could be in trees, rivers, animals, and even rocks. They also practiced shamanism. Shamans were special people who could talk to these spirits. They helped their communities with healing and guidance.

New Paths: Christianity and Islam

In the 1900s, many Dayak people learned about Christianity and Islam. Many chose to change their religion. Today, a large number of Dayak people are Christian. Some also follow Islam. These new religions brought different ways of worship and community life.

Kaharingan: A Unique Faith

Some Dayak people kept their traditional beliefs. They call their religion Kaharingan. Kaharingan is a mix of old Dayak traditions and spiritual practices. To help classify it, the Indonesian government has recognized Kaharingan as a form of Hinduism. This allows its followers to practice their faith freely.

Dayak Culture and Traditions

Even though there are many Dayak groups, they share some common cultural elements. These include their love for art, music, and dance. Their traditions often reflect their close ties to the natural world.

Arts and Celebrations

Dayak people are famous for their beautiful crafts. They make intricate carvings from wood. They also weave amazing textiles with colorful patterns. Music and dance are very important in Dayak culture. Traditional dances often tell stories. They might be about hunting, farming, or spirits. Festivals are times for communities to come together. They celebrate harvests or important life events.

Daily Life and Community

Many Dayak communities traditionally lived in longhouses. A longhouse is a very long building where many families live together. This helps them stay close and support each other. Farming, hunting, and fishing are common ways of life. They use the forest for many things. This includes food, medicine, and building materials.

Gallery