IBAN

ATTIRE (NGEPAN INDU IBAN)

The Iban traditional costume for women is “marik

empang” and kain kebat. Marik empang is a combination
of beads and hand-stitched cotton decorative outer
garment. It is usually red in colour. Iban women require to wear marik empang at any
occasion or festival.

The Iban ngepan (or traditional attire) is generally worn for special occasions

(Gawai), ceremonies, rituals and dances. The Iban comprises about 30% of
Sarawak’s population, with varying differences in terms of dialect, tradition
and ngepan. Most famous of the use and promotion of the ngepan in current
times is for the Kumang Gawai. Kumang is the Mother Goddess of the Iban
back in the animistic days. Considered a supreme beauty and great weaver, she
is now embodied in the annual Pekit Kumang, a beauty pageant that showcases
the traditional attire of the female Iban as well as other qualities commonly
associated with the great Kumang. The winner of the competition is crowned
Kumang, which is held in many parts of Sarawak at various levels.
Due to the huge distances and location between different groups of Iban, each
has developed its own different and and yet somewhat signature ngepan
indu (female costume/attire). However, now a modern standard has been set that
only allows a potential Kumang to wear a specific set of ngepan with its
accompanying accessories, roughly based on the Iban of Saribas’ ngepan to be
worn for Pekit Kumang.
1. Sugu Tinggi (Silver Headgear)
          

2. Marek Empang/ Tangu (Worn around the shoulder)

3. Kain Karap/Kebat (traditional woven skirt or Pua Kumbu)

4. Lampit (Silver Belt)
: 
 5. Rawai (Silver Corset)

6. Tumpa Pirak/Bentuk (Silver Bangles)

7. Gelang Kaki/Gerunchung (Anklets)
 8. Buah
Pauh (Silver
Purse)
9. Selampai (Sash)

10. Tali Ujan/Mulung (Fine Silver Chain)

11. Sementing
Buchai/Sengkiling (C
oin Corset with Dangling Coins)
The diversity of the Iban ngepan is evident with the rise of increasing awareness
among younger Ibans and Sarawakians. Here are some samples of other types
of ngepan indu Iban. Bear in mind that there are many more types not listed
here.
Ngepan Skrang

Ngepan Kuas Sri Aman (Source: parenbonjour.com)

Ngepan Saribas (Source: pinterest.com)