Orang Iban

Ibans are a branch of the Dayak peoples of Borneo..In Malaysia, most
Ibans are located in Sarawak,a small portion in Sabah and some in west
Malaysia. They were formerly known during the colonial period by the
British as Sea Dayaks. Ibans were renowned for practising headhunting
and tribal/territorial expansion. A long time ago, being a very strong and
successful warring tribe, the Ibans were a very feared tribe in Borneo. They
speak the Iban language.

The origin of the name Iban is a mystery, although many theories exist.
Some believe that the word Iban was an ancient original Iban word for people or
man. The modern-day Iban word for people or man is mensia, a slightly modified Malay loan word of the same meaning (manusia). The Ibans were the original inhabitants of Borneo Island. They live in longhouses called rumah panjai.

Example of traditional longhouse

Moden longhouse

Branches Of Iban Peoples

Although Ibans generally speak a dialect which is mutually intelligible,

they can be divided into different branches which are named after the

geographical areas where they reside.

• Majority of Ibans who live around the Lundu and Samarahan region are called Sebuyaus.
• Ibans who settled in areas in Serian district (places like Kampung Lebor, Kampung Tanah Mawang & others) are called Remuns. They may be the earliest Iban group to migrate to Sarawak.
• Ibans who originated from Sri Aman area are called Balaus.
• Ibans who come from Betong, Saratok & parts of Sarikei are called Saribas. 
• The Lubok Antu Ibans are classed by anthropologist as Ulu Ai Ibans.
• Ibans from Undup are called Undup Ibans. Their dialect is somewhat a cross between the Ulu Ai dialect & the Balau dialect.
• Ibans living in areas from Sarikei to Miri are called Rajang Ibans. They are the majority group of the Iban people. They can be found along the Rajang River, Sibu, Kapit, Belaga, Kanowit, Song, Sarikei, Bintangor, Bintulu and Miri. Their dialect is somewhat similar to the Ulu Ai dialect.

In Kalimantan (Indonesian part of Borneo), Iban people are even more

diverse. The Kantu, Air Tabun, Semberuang, Sebaru’ , Bugau, Mualang &

along with many other groups are classed as “Ibanic people” by

anthropologist. They can be related to the Iban either by the dialect they

speak or their custom, ritual & their way of life.