Beads symbol of status to Kelabits

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Beads symbol of status to Kelabits

Friday, 19 November 2010 15:07

Zainon Talip

MIRI: Since time immemorial, beads have become a symbol of luxury and status.

“For this reason, they (beads) are considered very precious and handed down from generation to generation,” said Minister of Tourism and Heritage, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam who is also the Deputy Chief Minister.

Dr Chan said this when officiating at the opening of ‘Our Mothers’ Beads programme organised by the Sarawak Rurum Kelabit here last Wednesday night.

He added that among the beads preferred by the Kelabit community were the light blue glass beads, red gem stones beads and orange and dark brown bone beads.

“Beads are believed to be older than human civilization and the earliest beads were made from seashells, animal teeth, and fruit seeds, stringed up with ropes,” he said.

Dr Chan however disclosed that the most precious beads were the ‘largesized’ blue to pale greenish and dark blue glass beads.

“The blue glass beads are about half an inch long and a quarter inch wide,” he said.

Dr Chan also disclosed that beads had also been used as a form of currency, wedding gifts and personal adornment.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Rurum Kelabit Sarawak Miri Branch, Datin Sri Mariam Balan said that over 20 years ago, the Kelabit community was worried with the influx of fake beads which are widely sold in the local market.

“We should be proud that we can have ‘Ba’o Kelabit Rawir’ (hat beads) and Bane Alai (chain) made from original beads,” she said.

Mariam, however, also acknowledged that the arrival of the fake beads was giving them the opportunity to promote their customs and jewelries.

Among those present at the function were Assistant Minister of Communication and Sports Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Patron of “Our Mothers’ Beads” Datuk Lorna Enan Mullon, Deputy State Secretary Datu Ose Muran, President Rurum Kelabit Sarawak Gerawat Gala and Telang Usan assemblyman Lihan Jok.