Dayak is a tribal name that identifies the various peoples on the island on the Indonesian side of Borneo knowKalimantann as . It is distributed to about 450 ethno-linguistic groups. Despite some differences, share the physical characteristics of this group, architecture, language, oral traditions, customs and social structures, weapons, agricultural technology and a vision of life.
Dayak population estimated at about four million dollars over the four Indonesian provinces of Kalimantan (Borneo, Malaysia and the regions of Sabah and Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam. In the morning, Dayak is known as kadazandusun.
In the past, as described by anthropologists Dayak "legendary inhabitants of Borneo" of those who lived long, and participated in head-hunting. Today, they constitute a small minority, the loser in an era of rapid change and modernization.
Dayak original cultural identity, economic, religious and political life has been preserved through oral tradition. Experts agree that there are many affinitives base in the Legends of the various Dayak groups. Unfortunately, however, all the elements of the indigenous Dayak life as stated in the captions have been affected by external factors.
Modern religions
Christian significant impact on the situation between groups of Legends Dayak. The myths that were recited during the ritual also rejected animists. Christian convert consider acceding to the traditional religion and primitive anachronism. The spread of doctrine through speeches at schools and villages. In Central Kalimantan, people will be called "yeast obsolete" or "empty glass." Anthropology J.J. It concludes kusni in one of his books that the spread of Christianity is the invasion of Dayak.
Christian preachers carrying what they call "sacred mission" came to see Savages Dayak culture of the peoples "Yeast obsolete", valued at their disposal. "Outmoded yeast 'concept tend to drain and Dayak culture and filled with new values," said kusni. The exercise of this policy not only in Central Kalimantan, but also in East and West and South Kalimantan. Moreover, Christianity is regarded as a savior and a symbol of modernization. It had a significant impact. Christians are uncomfortable attending weddings and funerals and Gentiles.
In a village in West Kalimantan, and used as a base by a Christian mission, in a place covered with posters of intimidation Dayaks for the exercise of cultural traditions. A poster shows the regard in two road. Left "through hell" with the image of the ritual at the end of the road. Law is "the road to Paradise," with a picture of modern life is at the end of the road.
