Previous   Next
Home » Images » 0032 Pictures From History » CPA0015981

Malaysia / Sarawak : 'Dayaks in their War Dress', Illustrated London News (1864)

Malaysia / Sarawak : 'Dayaks in their War Dress', Illustrated London News (1864)

The Dayak or Dyak are native people of Borneo. 'Dayak' is a loose term for over 200 riverine and hill-dwelling ethnic subgroups, located principally in the interior of Borneo, each with its own dialect, customs, laws, territory and culture, although common distinguishing traits are readily identifiable.

Dayak languages are categorised as part of the Austronesian languages in Asia. The Dayak were animist in belief; however many converted to Christianity, and some embraced Islam more recently. Estimates for the Dayak population range from 2 to 4 million.

Quick links to other images in this gallery: