Early records of inoculation and smallpox vaccination in Sarawak

Culture

by Patricia Hului - March 11, 2020March 11, 2020

If you are not familiar with inoculation or variolation (deliberately introducing the pathogen into an uninfected person), it is the method first used to immunize an individual against smallpox with material taken from a

The story of Apai Saloi being a glutton over smoked deer meat

Culture

by Patricia Hului - March 2, 2020March 2, 2020

Here is an Iban legend of comedic hero Apai Saloi being a glutton over smoked deer meat: One day, Apai Saloi took his wife and children to stay at their farm hut. There, he went

How were executions carried out during Brooke’s time in Sarawak?

Culture

by Patricia Hului - February 28, 2020February 28, 2020

Execution of criminals has been used by almost all societies in the world. If you've watched Braveheart you'll know that there were many painful and cruel methods of carrying out an execution throughout history.

How did the name of Sarawak’s capital get changed to Kuching?

Culture

by Patricia Hului - February 25, 2020March 1, 2020

In the olden days, Sarawak's capital was also known as 'Sarawak'. Kuching view. Credits: Pixabay. Why did the second White Rajah, Charles Brooke decide to change Sarawak's capital name to Kuching on Aug 12, 1872? Abang

Tungu Rubi, a Bidayuh reconciliation ceremony

Culture

by Patricia Hului - February 24, 2020February 24, 2020

Tungu Rubi is a traditional ceremony organised to reconcile two parties who are in dispute. Here is an example of how a Tungu Rubi took place in 1953 at Kampung Tapuh in Serian as

The Brooke battle against the Iban from Gaat river at Nanga Pila in 1916

Culture

by Patricia Hului - February 18, 2020February 18, 2020

About a century ago, the Iban from Gaat river, a tributary of the Baleh river, had been a cause of serious concern for the Brooke government. They caused mayhem in the area with their

The legend of Batu Puyang in Batang Ai you probably never heard

Culture

by Patricia Hului - February 11, 2020February 11, 2020

The story of petrification is common around the world, the oldest in Western literature probably being the tale of Medusa. Even here in Sarawak, many have heard stories and folktales of how people or

Legend of a two-tailed monster and how poison came about in Borneo

Culture

by Patricia Hului - February 10, 2020February 10, 2020

Poison always plays a role in a legend or fairy tale. The most famous example is in Snow White where the evil queen gave the princess a poisoned apple. Here in Borneo, we have

Sarawak’s forgotten source of entertainment, Band Day

Culture

by Patricia Hului - February 6, 2020February 6, 2020

The current generation should be grateful that entertainment is so easily available nowadays. Imagine living in Sarawak in the late 19th century with no smartphone, internet or TV... how did people entertain themselves?

The legend of Kuala Sibuti’s buried treasure you probably never heard of

Culture

by Patricia Hului - February 5, 2020February 5, 2020

Buried treasure always comes with a story or legend. Sometimes, it even comes with a curse. Here is a legend of buried treasure in Kuala Sibuti, Sarawak that was recorded by Sarawak Gazette writer