In the heart of Borneo, the Iban people — once known as fierce warriors and headhunters — now face a quieter battle: the struggle to keep their ancient traditions alive in a rapidly changing world.
In this second part of ‘Life Inside the Longhouse’, we journey into Kuching and meet the new generation of Iban determined to protect their heritage. From music to tribal tattoos, they are finding new ways to carry forward the spirit of their ancestors.
We meet Desmond, a young Iban musician keeping tribal sounds alive in the neon-lit bars of Kuching, and Boi Skrang, a traditional hand-tapping tattoo artist who famously tattooed Anthony Bourdain during his legendary visit to Borneo.
📖 To read more behind-the-scenes travel stories on this episode, head to our blog on Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/thepostmodernjournalist/p/the-mercury-line?r=2jn21m&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Boi Skrang’s Social Platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/Skrangtattoo/
https://www.instagram.com/boi_skolang/
As urbanization pulls the younger generation further away from their roots, these modern-day guardians are finding new ways to honor their culture.
👉 If you missed Part 1, where we stayed overnight inside a traditional Iban longhouse, watch it here: https://youtu.be/6lTsBk_o3fA?si=jzD2aeMR0gAoGRoZ
Humanity Unfiltered.
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📌 Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
00:43 – The deeper meaning of tattoos for the Iban. Palatong Pa.
01:26 – Meet Boi Skrang: the hand-tapping tattoo artist who tattooed Anthony Bourdain.
01:51 – Heaven is only for women with tattoos?
02:20 – Meet Desmond, a young Iban Musician in Kuching.
03:51 – Keeping the hand-tapping tradition alive.
05:34 – Meet Angelina: the Longhouse Chief’s daughter.
16:45 – Blowpipe demonstration. A traditional hunting tool.
08:46 – The Bejalai.
11:24 – The significance of Iban tattoos? Symbolism behind the designs.
12:48 – The nomadic Penan tribe.
14:59 – The earring for long earlobes.
18:11 – The future of the longhouse?
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