NOT many people know about the Orang Ulu of Sarawak. At the Sarawak Cultural Village, Orang Ulu Anthony Aden Lawai enlightened us on his people’s culture. The 83-year-old explained that the Orang Ulu actually consisted of smaller tribes such as the Kayan, Kelabit, Penan and others.
Anthony, an ironsmith, said his people lived mainly along riverbanks, and were mostly fishermen, farmers and hunters. The Orang Ulu uses spears to hunt animals, harpoons to catch fish and cultivate padi. Anthony also mentioned that his people practised animism in the past, but some are now Muslims or Christians.
