Rich legacy: The Lanoh tribe has been around for over 1,000 years. — Photos courtesy of Ninot Aziz
MORE than 200km north of Kuala Lumpur, into the hinterlands, lies one of the most magical archaeological sites of Malaysia.
It was here that the trailblazer archaeologist, Prof Emeritus Datin Paduka Dr Siti Zuraina Majid unveiled her groundbreaking research spanning two million years history of the Unesco World Heritage Site Lenggong Valley; South-East Asia’s earliest complete skeleton, the legendary “Perak Man”.
The discovery which also shed light on medical science history on a rare congenital deformity, also revealed the migratory path of early humans from Africa to Australia, tracing through the historic Lenggong Valley in Perak.
But unknown to many, the area is also home to the indigenous Lanoh tribe for more than a 1,000 years. Almost extinct once, their population dwindled to less than 200 six decades ago.
And as they slowly rebuild their community – with the critical population swelling to about 300 people today – the Lanoh, who also call themselves the people of the Menik Semnam after the river Semnam, are struggling to safeguard their way of life and heritage.
In the past, the majority of Lanoh live in the jungle as hunter-gatherers and once led a nomadic life, using caves as shelters. Today, they have taken up various occupation including as jungle rangers and porters.
However, the Lanoh still hold secrets of the jungle – possessing great wisdom passed down through generations on ethnobotanical practices using medicinal herbs, culinary herbs, aromatic herbs and sacred herbs in their practices.
They can treat many “urban” illnesses like diabetes and reducing high-blood pressure naturally using variety of forest herbs and roots, among others.
These are critical local knowledge and skills that took hundreds of years of observation that must be tapped on lest they are lost and forgotten.
The Lanoh mind and lingo
The Lanoh’s expertise also goes beyond medicinal knowledge.
For instance, the tribe is also well-versed in employing mental exercises in guise of games such as the “kercang”.
It is a traditional game that requires players to manipulate strings and woven loops, often crafted from rattan, with the task of untangling or removing the strings without harming the overall structure.
It may appear to be a simple game of the indigenous people but its ingenuity involves elements that can be likened to an “IQ game,” demanding high problem-solving and cognitive skills.
An example of a kercang. — Wikipedia
The legacy of games like kercang goes beyond mere pastime or even social games, revealing the cultural genius of the Orang Asli. These traditional games are vital components of cultural heritage, passed down through generations with intrinsic values and more importantly, evidence of local genius in its simple conception.
At the same time, there is also a critical need to preserve the language of the Lanoh which could unlock the tribe’s knowledge. According to Bambusa Foundation chief executive officer Dr Hakim Abdullah, the Lanoh language finds its origins within the vast depths of the Austroasiatic language family, particularly within the Aslian subfamily and the Senoic branch.
This linguistic heritage places Lanoh firmly within the cultural tapestry of the Malay Peninsula, specifically in the Perak region of Malaysia, where the Lanoh people have thrived for generations.
Delving deeper into the Lanoh worldview unveils a profound connection to the natural landscape of the land, shaped by centuries of traditional beliefs and practices.
Central to their understanding is a deep reverence for the rainforest, which serves as more than just a habitat but a source of sustenance, medicine and spiritual significance.
The spiritual beliefs of the Lanoh tribe deeply respects nature and the environment. This connection with nature influences their daily lives and rituals, emphasising the importance of harmony with the environment and the spirits that dwell within.
As part of the broader Orang Asli community in Peninsular Malaysia, the Lanoh tribe shares commonalities with other indigenous groups while upholding their unique cultural identity.
Their traditional practices, including hunting, gathering and traditional medicine, not only sustain their way of life but also serve as expressions of cultural heritage and spiritual connectivity.
The Lanoh language and worldview offer a glimpse into the cultural richness and intricate relationship between language, heritage, and spirituality that define the identity of the Lanoh people.
Connection to the outside world
It is important to note that for the Lanoh to survive and thrive in the era of modernisation, there must be greater understanding, awareness and support from the public.
Last year, the Commerce Dot Com Sdn Bhd (CDC) and Bambusa Foundation made a joint effort to engage with the people of the Lanoh tribe.
“We slowly gained the trust over a series of activities, and deep interaction to support social and economic activities. This was key to building the relationship with the Lanoh tribe,” says CDC CEO Datuk Muzafar Kamal Shahaluddin.
Volunteers have been working well to engage with people from the Lanoh tribe.
Ultimately, supporting the Lanoh tribe is not only about preserving heritage – it is about shaping better people within the larger community, in this case, creating a sustainable and inclusive initiative that nurtures a supportive environment for the Orang Asli community as well as strengthens their basic livelihood.
This initiative has successfully fostered a sense of belonging, empowerment and spiritual growth within the community, ensuring that their journey of rediscovery and purpose on this earth is supported and celebrated by the world around them.
Ninot Aziz is an award-winning author and president of the National Oral Literature Association.
