Where Hornbills Fly : A Journey with the Headhunters of Borneo

Once headhunters under the rule of White Rajahs and briefly colonized before independence within Malaysia, the Iban Dayaks of Borneo are one of the world's most extraordinary indigenous tribes, possessing ancient traditions and a unique way of life. As a young man Erik Jensen settled in Sarawak where he lived with the Iban for seven years, learning their language and the varied rites and practices of their lives. In this compelling and beautifully-wrought memoir, Erik Jensen reveals the challenges facing the Iban as they adapt to another century, whilst fighting to preserve their identity and singular place in the world. Haunting, yet hopeful, Where Hornbills Fly opens a window onto a vanishing world and paints a remarkable portrait of this fragile tribe, which continues to survive deep in the heart of Borneo. Once headhunters under the rule of White Rajahs and briefly colonised before independence within Malaysia, the Iban Dayaks of Borneo are one of the world's most extraordinary indigenous tribes, possessing ancient traditions and a unique way of life. As a young man Erik Jensen settled in Sarawak where he lived with the Iban for seven years, learning their language and the varied rites and practices of their lives. He was also witness to the great and often shattering changes they faced then and continue to face today. The plentiful harvests, abundant game and rivers teeming with fish of their remembered past have long since disappeared - destroyed by restrictions on settlement and, ironically, by forest conservation. The Iban's animist beliefs are slowly being replaced by the imported religions of Christianity and Islam and their traditional ways by modern schooling and medicine.In this compelling and beautifully-wrought memoir, Erik Jensen reveals the challenges facing the Iban as they adapt to another century, whilst fighting to preserve their identity and singular place in the world. Haunting, yet hopeful, Where Hornbills Fly opens a window onto a vanishing world and paints a remarkable portrait of this fragile tribe, which continues to survive deep in the heart of Borneo. Contents......Page 6 1. Peacemaking......Page 12 2. From the Old World - East......Page 18 3. Sarawak and Upriver......Page 38 4. Longhouse Living......Page 78 5. To the Hornbill Festival......Page 108 6. Revolt in the Lemanak......Page 132 7. Ancient versus Modern......Page 164 8. Out of Jungle a Centre......Page 192 9. Poisoning, Omens and Hope......Page 218 10. Progress then Bad News......Page 246 11. World Events Intervene......Page 260 12. Fit to Survive......Page 282 Notes......Page 302 Index......Page 304 Contents 6 1. Peacemaking 12 2. From the Old World - East 18 3. Sarawak and Upriver 38 4. Longhouse Living 78 5. To the Hornbill Festival 108 6. Revolt in the Lemanak 132 7. Ancient versus Modern 164 8. Out of Jungle a Centre 192 9. Poisoning, Omens and Hope 218 10. Progress then Bad News 246 11. World Events Intervene 260 12. Fit to Survive 282 Notes 302 Index 304 9781848855007 Haunting, Yet Hopeful, Where Hornbills Fly Opens A Window Onto A Vanishing World And Paints A Remarkable Portrait Of This Fragile Tribe, Which Continues To Survive Deep In The Heart Of Borneo. Erik Jensen. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.