MENGARANG MENYAK

This item is an excellent example of where the lifestyle of the Melanau Community is reflected in its cultural dancing. Found in the coastal areas of Sarawak, the Melanaus are traditionally dependent on the sago palm for their livelihood. The dance depicts a daily activity in the community - the processing of sago. The movements of the dance cover the whole sequence of activities from the time when the sago palm is being sawn and scrapped, trampled for its flour content till the final stage when sago pellets or pearls are made. The dance also conjures up an image of peace and harmonious co-operation among the men and women in their daily work.

 

(Source: Tourism Division, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Sarawak)