via Borneo Post, 03 December 2023: Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang urged the Academy of Sarawak Dayak Iban to preserve the ancient Iban pottery tradition, ‘periuk tanah’. Emphasizing the historical continuity of these pots, which date back 40,000 years, Lo advocated for ceramic classes to ensure this unique cultural heritage persists. He praised Asadia’s role in promoting Dayak culture, highlighting its potential to engage youth and other communities in Sarawak, foster unity, and create economic opportunities through traditional arts and crafts.
The Academy of Sarawak Dayak Iban (Asadia) should preserve the ancient tradition of Iban pottery, known as ‘periuk tanah’ (earthen pot) to ensure the longevity of this cultural treasure, said Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang.
Citing research from the Sarawak Museum, which was published in ‘The Sarawak Museum Journal Volume 10, No 19/20, 1962, Lo said the earthen pot that existed 40,000 years ago is very similar to that used by the Iban community today.
“It is my hope that Asadia will persist in advocating and bequeathing the uniqueness of Dayak arts and culture, so that these unique artistic expressions do not fade into oblivion with the passage of time.
Source: Batu Kitang rep calls on Asadia to preserve ancient tradition of ‘periuk tanah’
