Kelabit

The Kelabit, who have close ties to the Lun Bawang, are an indigenous race of the Sarawak highlands--the remotest and highest of Borneo's mountains. The elevation here is slightly over 1,200 meters. Because there are few roads and the area is largely inaccessible by river because of rapids, the highlands and the Kelabit are relatively untouched by modern western influences. One major western influence that did penetrate this remote ethnic group was the arrival of Christian missionaries. The Kelabit are now predominantly Christian.

The Kelabit still lead a traditional life in their inherited longhouses. In tight knit communities they practice a generations-old form of agriculture--they are cultivators of wet paddy, hill rice, maize, tapioca, pineapple, pumpkin, cucumber, beans and fruit. They are also great hunters and expert fisherman.

The Kelabit also raise buffalo, which they value very highly. Traditionally, the dowry for the upper class bride must consist of at least seven buffaloes.

In the Second World War, the Kelabit were supplied weapons by the Australian military and played an essential role in the liberation of Borneo.