Iban people
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The Iban are a Dayak sub-ethnic group native to northwestern Borneo, primarily found in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, Brunei and parts of West Kalimantan, Indonesia. They are one of the largest grou
Iban traditional wedding attire in Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, 2019.
Young Ibans, 1912
A historical photograph of Punan heads taken by the Sea Dayaks (Iban). Headhunting was a notable practice in Iban culture during the 19th century, closely linked to warfare, spiritual beliefs and the assertion of social status.
Sarawak; Sea Dayaks with weapons and head-dresses
Headhunting
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Headhunting is the practice of hunting a human and collecting the severed head after killing the victim. More portable body parts can be taken as trophies, instead. Headhunting has been practiced by m
Iban people
…in agriculture, music, weaving and social organisation. Historically, the Iban were known for their warrior culture, particularly the practice of headhunting, which was a central element of their societal structure and spiritual beliefs until the early 20th century. The Iban's traditional social units are…
Digital painting of a Mississippian-era priest, with a ceremonial flint mace and a severed head, based on a repousse copper plate.
A 1908 photo of a Bontoc warrior bearing a headhunter's chaklag chest tattoo
Punan Bah heads taken by Sea Dayaks
Human skulls in a tribal village; colonial Papua, 1885