The Classification of Dayak Ethnic Groups

The Dayak imagery of the past and present is contrasting and different: today's Dayak are impressive in every way, including financial literacy and cultural aspects. Photo credit: the author.

SANGGAU - dayaktoday.com: The Dayak people are the indigenous inhabitants of Borneo, first referred to by colonial official Hogendorph in 1757. This vibrant community has a rich cultural heritage, comprising seven major groups. 

Collectively, these groups encompass around 404 sub-ethnicities, as highlighted in Lontaan's research from 1975.

Dayak people: 40,000-year history, 8 million today

Archaeological studies have traced the Dayak’s ancestors back an astonishing 40,000 years, particularly at the Niah Caves, thanks to carbon dating conducted by the Sarawak Museum in collaboration with American experts. 

Read Dayak Bukan Berasal dari Yunnan tapi dari Gua Niah: Ini Bukti Ilmiah Uji-karbon 40.000 Tahun Silam

Today, the Dayak population is estimated to be around 8 million, spread across the entire island—from the lush highlands to the fertile lowland riverbanks.

This incredible diversity makes the classification of Dayak ethnic groups an intriguing subject of study, as they exhibit multidimensional characteristics and share numerous traits with other ethnic groups. 

The term "Dayak" itself serves as a collective label for the indigenous peoples of Kalimantan, distinguishing them from incoming migrants. In Dutch, the term parallels "binnenlander," referring to those who reside inland, far from the coastal regions, and who traditionally lead a nomadic lifestyle centered on shifting agriculture. 

The Dayak have often found themselves pushed into more remote areas as a result of external influences, which have sought to dominate their land and culture.

The classification of Dayak ethnic groups

The classification of Dayak ethnic groups is not a straightforward endeavor; rather, it is shaped by a myriad of factors, including customary laws, geographical locations, rituals, languages, and even the names of the rivers where they reside. This rich tapestry of classifications reflects their historical and cultural complexity and reveals the multifaceted nature of Dayak identity.

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To gain a more comprehensive understanding of this complex society, here are seven classifications of Dayak ethnic groups that illuminate their uniqueness and intricacies:

1. Based on Customary Laws: Researcher H.J. Mallinckrodt (1928) categorized Dayak ethnic groups into six categories, known as Stammenras. This classification includes Kenyah-Kayan-Bahau, Ot Danum, Iban, Murut, Klemantan, and Punan. It underscores the shared traditions and social practices that create a strong collective identity among these groups, reflecting their unique systems of governance and communal decision-making.

2. Based on Death Rituals: W. Stohr (1959) categorized the Dayak according to their differing practices surrounding death rituals. His classification includes Kenyah-Kayan-Bahau, Ot Danum, Iban, Murut, Klemantan, and Punan. The significance of these rituals in Dayak life not only reflects their spiritual and cultural values but also highlights how these practices serve to reinforce community bonds and convey respect for ancestors, emphasizing the continuity of tradition across generations.

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3. Tjilik Riwut's Classification: According to Tjilik Riwut (1958), there are seven main groups that comprise between 405 and 450 sub-ethnicities. This classification not only highlights the diversity within each group but also emphasizes the historical migrations and interactions among ethnicities that have shaped their social fabric. Riwut's work illustrates how environmental factors and social dynamics have contributed to the distinct identities of each sub-group.

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4. Raymond Kennedy's Classification (1974): In his study, Kennedy classified the Dayak into six groups based on cultural and linguistic characteristics. These include the Kenyah-Kayan-Bahau Group and the Ngaju Group, revealing significant differences between the ethnic groups while also showcasing their shared cultural elements. Kennedy’s approach emphasizes the importance of language and cultural practices in understanding the relationships and historical interactions among the various groups.

5. Bernard Sellato's Classification (1989): Sellato categorized Dayak ethnic groups according to major rivers that serve as essential lifelines for these communities. His classification features groups like the Barito, which encompasses various ethnicities, and the Northeastern group, which includes the Dusun and Murut. This river-based classification highlights not only the geographical connections among these ethnic groups but also emphasizes the role of rivers in shaping their livelihoods, culture, and social organization.

6. Aronson's Language-Based Classification (1978): In his research, Aronson classified Dayak ethnic groups based on linguistic differences, identifying two major categories: Exo-Bornean and Endo-Bornean. This classification underscores the idea that language is more than just a means of communication; it acts as a crucial marker of cultural and ethnic identity, shaping how communities perceive themselves and their place within the larger socio-cultural landscape.

7. Dr. Anton Nieuwenhuis's Research: In his publication from 1998, Nieuwenhuis documented his travels and research in Borneo during 1894. Despite encountering numerous challenges, his findings provide invaluable insights into the culture and lifestyle of the Dayak people at the end of the 18th century. Nieuwenhuis noted the difficulties faced by foreign researchers in grasping the customs of ethnic groups at various developmental stages, making his collected data a vital resource for ethnographic understanding.

The richness of Dayak culture

These various classifications illustrate that the richness of Dayak culture extends far beyond mere labels or group identities. Each sub-ethnicity carries its own stories, traditions, and bodies of knowledge, weaving a complex narrative that reflects their long history of resilience and adaptation.

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Delving into the identity and history of the Dayak people is crucial for understanding the social dynamics that have shaped their existence over millennia. This diversity represents a priceless heritage that deserves to be preserved and explored by future generations.

By examining these classifications, we can appreciate that the Dayak people are not merely a collection of ethnic groups. They embody a profound history filled with struggle, adaptation, and transformation.

Each sub-group enriches a broader narrative, contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of Borneo. Therefore, the preservation of their cultural heritage and the recognition of the diversity of Dayak ethnic groups are essential to ensuring that their legacy is not only remembered but also valued and studied by future generations. 

This understanding fosters respect for their traditions and empowers their communities. It also encourages a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay between culture and identity within the Dayak heritage.

Title: Expanding the Classification of Dayak Subtribes: New Findings and Academic Contributions

Beyond the seven established classifications of the Dayak people, researchers and academics continue to identify and categorize subtribes that have not yet been included in previous classifications. This ongoing exploration highlights the complexity and diversity of the Dayak ethnic groups, underscoring the need for continuous study and refinement.

For instance, a study by Alloy, Albertus, and Istiani (2008) revealed that West Kalimantan alone is home to 151 Dayak subtribes. This significant finding challenges earlier classifications and adds valuable depth to the understanding of Dayak ethnography. Their work emphasizes that the cultural and social identities of the Dayak people are more intricate than previously documented, necessitating more comprehensive research.

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Additionally, Masri Sareb Putra (2010) introduced a novel discovery in the classification of the Bidayuh subtribe in Jangkang District, Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan. His research identified 11 distinct Bidayuh subtribes within this region, reinforcing the notion that each area possesses unique socio-cultural structures that may not yet be fully represented in broader classifications.

These findings demonstrate that the classification of Dayak subtribes is not static but continuously evolving as further research uncovers new details. As such, scholars and writers are encouraged to build upon and refine existing classifications, provided that their work adheres to rigorous academic methodologies and contributes meaningful, novel insights to the field.

-- Masri Sareb Putra, M.A.