Talun, ceramic beads unique traditional gifts from Lawas

By Mohd Fharkhan Abdul Ghapar

LAWAS, Nov 24 -- A visit to Lawas is not complete without getting your hands on the unique local handicrafts of Baju Talun and ceramic beads that are traditionally made by the Lun Bawang community.

The Baju Talun vest that is made of barks of the Talun trees (Artocarpus hirsuta) used to be a daily wear for the Lun Bawang men, is now one of the popular handicraft products in Sarawak.

The traditional attire-making process involves delicately-nuanced work that still maintains the use of traditional methods to preserve the authenticity of the hereditary treasure.

Recently, Bernama had the opportunity to visit the Kampung Tang Itong Handicraft Centre, Lawas to see the process of making the Talun bark handicraft that has become one of the tourist attractions in the district.

Kampung Tang Itong village head Su’ut Kurus, 84, said although each Talun vest is mostly sold between RM150 to RM300 depending on the design, there were some that have been bought for up to RM500.

"We make the Talun vest traditionally. We go to the forest and strip the bark from the Talun tree before soaking it in water and putting it in a latex processing machine to flatten and stretch it. We will then dry it in the sun.

"Although we can use ovens to dry the bark, the results will not be the same,” he told Bernama.

Su'ut, who is also among the locals who are actively producing the traditional attire, said that once the bark is dried, it will be cut according to the wearer's size and sewn together with red fabric as the inner layer of the vest.

"Originally, Baju Talun is made without fancy designs, however, we are now using various designs, motifs and colourful beads to add its artistic and commercial value," he said, adding that the process of making a Talun vest can take between four days and a week depending on its design.

Su’ut said nowadays, the Talun vests are worn as a traditional attire during the Irau Aco Lun Bawang festival that is celebrated on June 1 every year.

Apart from Baju Talun, the Lun Bawang community is famous for other handicraft products such as hats, bags and paintings that are also made from the tree bark and often in high demand among local hotel operators.

Another must-visit place is the Ceramic Bead Handicraft Centre in Kampung Long Tuma, which is located about seven kilometres from Lawas.

Its coordinator Patricia Busang, 48, said the ceramic bead jewellery accessories such as necklaces, bracelets and earrings, produced at the centre are not only in high demand in the local market but also in the international market, including in China and Europe.

She said interestingly, visitors will also have the opportunity to make their own ceramic bead accessories when visiting the centre.

"This small industry really helps about 10 housewives here to earn additional income. This product has always been the choice of the state government to be exhibited at handicraft or tourism festivals in the country or abroad,” she said.

Patricia said the state government through several of its agencies had provided various assistance including financial grants, upgrading facilities and infrastructure at the centre as well as in terms of promotion and marketing to help boost the handicraft industry in the district.

She also said that although the spread of COVID-19 has affected the industry, the use of various digital platforms has greatly helped them to promote and sell their products online.

-- BERNAMA