The term “Indigenous People” is often used to describe groups of individuals who enjoy certain characteristics such as a common historical tradition, ethnic identity, cultural homogeneity, linguistic unity, religious or ideological affinity, territorial connection and a common economic life.
In Malaysia, based on the UN working definition, “Indigenous People” would include the aborigines of Peninsular Malaysia and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak
In Malaysia, based on the UN working definition, “Indigenous People” would include the aborigines of Peninsular Malaysia and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak
Orang Asli
The orang asli (meaning 'original people') are the minority indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia whose ancestors inhabited the peninsula before the Malay kingdoms were established. Colin Nicholas, the co-ordinator of the Centre for Orang Asli Concerns, wrote in his book the 'Orang Asli and the Contest for Resources, Indigenous Politics, Development and Identity in Peninsular Malaysia', that the orang asli have come to realise that an assertion of their indigenous identity is vital for their survival. One of the ways to assert this identity is to set up cultural troupes (involving old and young people of the orang asli communities) to perform indigenous music and dance. The various orang asli groups come together to perform and exhibit their handicraft at the annual International Indigenous Peoples Day events.
Akar Umbi (meaning 'tap root') is an example of a cultural group of the Temuan, one of the indigenous orang asli groups. Since its formation, Akar Umbi has presented live renditions of the songs of Mak Minah Anggong, a Temuan ceremonial singer who lived in Kampung Orang Asli Pertak, a forest reserve in Peninsular Malaysia (shaded region in red on the map on the left).
Temuan songs include healing ritual songs (sawai orsewang ) with buluh limbong accompaniment. The buluh limbong are pairs of bamboo instruments struck on a long block of wood which are used in healing rituals and also to accompany other songs for entertainment by many orang asli groups.
Temuan songs include healing ritual songs (sawai orsewang ) with buluh limbong accompaniment. The buluh limbong are pairs of bamboo instruments struck on a long block of wood which are used in healing rituals and also to accompany other songs for entertainment by many orang asli groups.
Bidayuh
Bidayuh is a collective name for several indigenous groups of people living in the southern part of Sarawak. They are noted for their hospitality and warm smiles. The name "Bidayuh" means "people of the land". "Bi" means "people" or "orang" and "Dayuh" means "Land". They are also known as the Land Dayaks, a term first used during the time of James Brooke, the first White Rajah (king) of Sarawak.
The Bidayuhs are known for their 'Ogong' gong ensemble, gigantic drums and a unique bamboo percussion instrument known as the 'pratuakng'.
The Bidayuhs are known for their 'Ogong' gong ensemble, gigantic drums and a unique bamboo percussion instrument known as the 'pratuakng'.
Orang Ulu
The northern region of Sarawak is home to the 'Orang Ulu' tribe; a collective name to represent the various ethnic sub-groups. They include the Kelabits, the Lun Bawans, the Berawans and the shy and semi-nomadic Penans. Orang Ulu are great dancers and musicians. Their unique music is played on a sape, a boat-shaped lute with two to four strings.
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Kadazan-Dusun
Kadazan-Dusun consists of two tribes (Kadazan and Dusun) grouped together as they both share similar language and culture. They are an ethnic group indigenous to the state of Sabah in East Malaysia.
The Kadazan-Dusuns have a musical heritage consisting of various types of tagung ensembles - ensembles composed of large hanging, suspended or held,bossed/knobbed gongs which act as drone without any accompanying melodic instrument. They also use kulintangan ensembles - ensembles with a horizontal-type melodic instrument.
The Kadazan-Dusuns have a musical heritage consisting of various types of tagung ensembles - ensembles composed of large hanging, suspended or held,bossed/knobbed gongs which act as drone without any accompanying melodic instrument. They also use kulintangan ensembles - ensembles with a horizontal-type melodic instrument.
Bajau
The Bajaus are the second largest indigenous group in Sabah. They have been a nomadic, seafaring people for most of their history. Many Bajaus still practice that same lifestyle to this day, which explains why they are still commonly known as "sea gypsies."
Bajaus have a unique type of dance called the Pangigal. It is common in wedding ceremonies for native communities throughout Malaysia and the Philippines. This dance is most famously danced to the music daling-daling. The word “daling” actually comes from the English word “darling”. The gabbang which is a wooden xylophone made of seventeen keys, played either as a solo instrument or in accompaniment to singing and dancing is a major component of the daling-daling music.
Bajaus have a unique type of dance called the Pangigal. It is common in wedding ceremonies for native communities throughout Malaysia and the Philippines. This dance is most famously danced to the music daling-daling. The word “daling” actually comes from the English word “darling”. The gabbang which is a wooden xylophone made of seventeen keys, played either as a solo instrument or in accompaniment to singing and dancing is a major component of the daling-daling music.
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