PunanRights Blog

The patterns carved on this famous klirieng and the coffin in the hollowed chamber is called "ulei Inan Benyai". There are two types of Punan klirieng's patterns (ulei). The first and oldest patterns dated to 17th century or earlier called "casting net patterns" (ulei mato jalo'). The second, newer pattern is called "Inan Benyai pattern" (ulei Inan Benyai). Of these two patterns, the latter, newer, is the one often seen  by the outside world.  Kliriengs bearing the "ulei Inan Benyai" are being displayed in a number of locations locally and abroad. So what is ulei Inan Benyai? According to a Punan legend it was inspired by story of a young couple Oman Benyai and his wife Inan Benyai. Oman means "father", inan is "mother". Hence, oman Benyai means Benyai father; inan Benyai - Benyai mother. As the legend goes, inan Benyai just gave birth to the couple first child named "Benyai". Still in abstinence, ...

A klirieng (burial pole) on the ground of Sarawak Museum, Kuching. These two cultural objects serve a very different function in Punan society. Klirieng function is strictly as a mausoleum (tanom laja), and "tiang aren" although related to death custom is strictly as ceremonial or decorative pole. The custom of erecting a carved ceremonial pole is still being practiced by Punan communities, especially among those who still adhere to the old beliefs, today. A typical carved ceremonial pole, however, is usually made of softwood, and feature simpler carving pattern. It is usually erected above the flood line, as ornamentation. Traditionally, (even today) in Punan society, we don't made a hollowed chamber at the middle section of carved ceremonial pole to inter remains of our distinguished leader. This is certainly not a description of Punan custom. Perhaps, that of the other Kajang?  A carved ceremonial pole (tiang aren)

Taman Tipuong Tuloi klirieng - 2019 © PunanRights This is actually not a klirieng, but salong. It is commonly referred to as Taman Tipuong Tuloi salong. It is not a klirieng although some would call this tomb post of Tuloi as klirieng. The distinction being, klirieng is always topped by a stone slab, not a small hut.  Only a salong, which is a Kayan institution has small hut. Klirieng has erroneously called it as " totem pole ". The word klirieng in Punan means "to shield or to protect".  This unique burial custom ceased to be practised in the 1884, with the ban on headhunting and related customs. This salong was removed from Long Segaham near Belaga to Kuching in late 1972, according to Jayl Langub and Kejaman sources. Taman Tipuong Tuloi klirieng - 2019 © PunanRights This particular salong was built in the 19th century. However, the exact date is unknown - with Sarawak Museum's source insisted the salong construction started in 1850 and com...