Sarawak Handicrafts - Living Heritage

A traditional hunting tool made from hardwood or bamboo, carefully drilled by hand. The Penan use poisonous darts to quietly hunt in the rainforest. Some blowpipes are decorated with rattan weaving and include a spear tip for close-range use. This centuries-old craft and hunting skill are now rare, as fewer young Penan continue the tradition.

Tudung Keringkam is a traditional headscarf worn by Sarawak Malay women, usually during weddings or cultural events. It is made from soft fabrics like voile or muslin and hand-embroidered with gold or silver thread. The design usually features floral patterns. Each piece is stitched by hand and can take weeks to finish. In the past, it showed a woman's family status. Today, it is worn with pride as a part of cultural heritage.

Beadwork is a shared tradition among many ethnic groups in Sarawak. 

These colourful beads are hand-strung to create accessories, headdresses, vests and ritual items. Each pattern tells a story, often linked to nature, protection or tribal identity.

Common colours include red, white, yellow, and black - which represent different elements like courage, purity, prosperity, and the earth.

Beads are not just decoration. They can carry deep cultural value and are often worn during festivals like Gawai or traditional weddings. Some pieces are passed down from generation to generation.