The pagan tribes of Borneo - Get a Free Blog Here

HANDICRAFTS 211
together with rattan, and in many cases are elaborately
carved with varieties of a peculiar conven-
tional design in relief (see vol. i., p. 240).
Dishes of iron-wood, now almost superseded by
European earthenware, were formerly in general use
(Figs. 6 and 7). Their shapes are very good ; the
dish is generally provided with one or two '' ears "
or flanges for the grip of the hands, and these are
cunningly decorated with carved designs or inlaid
pieces of shell or pottery. Some have a spout
opposite the single handle. The hollowing and
Fig. 40. —Sea-Dayak Armlet {simpai).
general shaping of such dishes is done with a
small adze, and they are finished with the knife.
Basket-work, etc.
The weaving of baskets, mats, and caps is one
of the most important handicrafts of the Kayans.
It is chiefly practised by the women, though the
men help in collecting and preparing the materials.
The material chiefly used is strips of rattan. A
rattan about one-third of an inch in diameter is
split into f\v& strips, and the inner surface of each
strip is smoothed with a knife ; but the stems of
several other jungle-plants are also used.