Passing on the Kelabit's beading heritage and secrets

Veteran Kelabit beader Sinah Rang Lemulun (left) is happy to pass on the art of beading to Norina A/K Changan, an Iban who is married to her nephew. Photo: Ken Zhong Wong

They used to be well-guarded secrets but veteran Kelabit beader Sinah Rang Lemulun has no reservations about sharing her traditional beading techniques with Norina Changan. Even though Norina is an Iban from Sibu, Sinah would go the extra mile to teach her as she is eager to learn the dying craft.

“It’s nice to meet a young person who is interested in beading. Many Kelabit girls have left the village for better job prospects in big cities. Sadly, traditions like beading and weaving are left behind as youths step out into the big world,” says Sinah, 73, during an interview in Bario, Sarawak, recently.