Pengarap Asal

Pengarap Asal, the original belief, is the traditional religion of the Iban, a Dayak people of western Borneo. Before expanding into what is now Sarawak, the Iban lived in the Kapuas basin; Benedict Sandin dated their move into the Batang Lupar valley to the 1550s, and they reached the Rejang in the early 1800s.

The Iban recognised a supreme being, Bunsu Petara, who had no parents and made the worlds, and seven lesser gods beneath him, including Sengalang Burong, god of war and healing. Omens decided much of life: the calls and flights of omen birds, which served Sengalang Burong, were read before a journey, raid or harvest.

Gawai Kenyalang, the Hornbill Festival, honoured Sengalang Burong and was held by successful raiders in the days of headhunting. Gawai Antu welcomed the souls of the dead.