Introducing... Exotic Borneo

Exotic Borneo provides some information about some of the most cherished and celebrated handicrafts in Sarawak. ‘Tikar Bemban’ is one of Sarawak well known and treasured, exotic items. For Iban community, tikar bemban is usually laid out in the 'ruai' at Iban longhouses during every important events or ceremonies such as welcoming visitors to the longhouse. Bemban are categorized into two types which are Bemban Air (Donax Arundastrum) and Bemban Batu (Donax Grandis).

These types of bemban are difficult to find out as they can only be found in certain areas in Sarawak, such as Kota Samarahan, Betong and Sri Aman. Each of the product made by tikar bemban have their own motif and the motif can be categorized into three: easy, medium and high. The Iban community believes that the creations of tikar bemban are affected from the surrounding and traditional beliefs. Nowadays, tikar bemban is also being used to produce other handmade products such as crafty handbag, skirt, wallet and others. On 2^nd April 2014, our group decided to pay a visit to three shops which are selling tikar bemban product. 

This blog will showcase our adventure to explore more about this rare and exotic Tikar Bemban.