Iban

Who are the Iban?

The Iban are one of the largest Dayak groups in Borneo. Their identity is rooted in shared language, customs, and a history of migration from the Kapuas basin. Traditionally, they live in longhouses—large communal structures that house extended families. The Iban are known for their weaving, music, and strong oral traditions. Their society is shaped by both ancestral beliefs and more recent influences, such as Christianity and Islam.

Where do the Iban live?

The Iban homeland spans northwestern Borneo, especially the Malaysian state of Sarawak, Brunei, and parts of West Kalimantan in Indonesia. Their ancestral roots trace to the Kapuas River basin, with important sites like Tembawai Tampun Juah in Sanggau, West Kalimantan. The land is tropical, with rivers and forests that support their traditional ways of life, including shifting rice cultivation and foraging.

What language do the Iban speak?

The Iban speak the Iban language, part of the Austronesian family. It is widely used in daily life and cultural practices. Many Iban also speak Malay or English, especially in Malaysia and Brunei. The language remains a key part of Iban identity, and its use continues alongside national languages in the region.

How do the Iban live?

Traditionally, the Iban practice shifting cultivation, especially rice farming, along with hunting and gathering. Their longhouses are built from local materials and serve as both homes and social centers. Weaving, especially of pua kumbu cloth, is an important craft. While many Iban now take part in wage work or other modern livelihoods, traditional food sources and crafts remain significant.

How is Iban society organised?

Iban society centers on the longhouse, which brings together extended families under one roof. Social organization is based on kinship and river-based groups. Leadership often comes from respected elders or chiefs. Marriage and descent are important for forming alliances and maintaining community ties. Decision-making is communal, with elders playing a guiding role.

What do the Iban believe?

The Iban have a rich spiritual life, blending traditional animist beliefs with Christianity and, to a lesser extent, Islam. Rituals, music, and weaving play central roles in ceremonies. Headhunting was once a spiritual and social practice but ended in the early 20th century. Today, festivals and communal rituals remain important, reflecting both old and new beliefs.

The history of the Iban

The Iban trace their origins to the Kapuas basin in West Kalimantan. From the 16th century, they migrated into Sarawak, driven by conflict and the search for new land. Under the Brooke dynasty in the 19th century, the Iban played key roles in military campaigns and became a dominant group in Sarawak. Colonial rule brought changes, including restrictions on migration and the end of headhunting. Despite pressures, the Iban maintained their language and traditions.

Iban life today

Today, the Iban are a major ethnic group in Sarawak and have communities in Brunei and West Kalimantan. They remain active in preserving their culture, especially weaving and music. Many Iban live in towns or migrate for work, but longhouses and traditional practices continue. Modernization brings challenges, but the Iban retain a strong sense of identity and community.

Questions people ask about the Iban

Sources and further reading

• Iban people on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Iban themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.