The Dayak’s Long Ears: A Mark of Humanity, Not Primal Instinct
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| The Dayak’s Long Ears: A Mark of Humanity, Not Primal Instinct. Photo credit: RMSP. |
SAMARINDA - DAYAK TODAY: Long ago, the Dayak people were known for their elongated ears. But why did they choose to stretch them?
The answer isn’t as simple as fashion or aesthetics. There are profound reasons rooted in philosophy, culture, tradition, and even practicality.
The Dayak people have always been guided by wisdom and natural intelligence in every aspect of their lives.
The Natural Intelligence of the Dayak People
As the indigenous inhabitants of the world’s third-largest island, spanning 743,330 km², the Dayak people are renowned for their deep connection with nature.
Living in harmony with their surroundings, they have nurtured an ancient wisdom that has guided their way of life for centuries. Their traditions are not mere relics of the past but a living testament to their ability to adapt, survive, and thrive within the dense rainforests of Borneo.
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One of the most striking cultural traits of the Dayak is their long ears. More than just an aesthetic choice, elongated earlobes are a symbol of identity, wisdom, and social status. This tradition, passed down through generations, embodies a deep reverence for ancestors and serves as a visible marker of belonging to a lineage that values patience, discipline, and cultural pride.
Beyond symbolism, long ears had practical benefits in their daily lives. In the thick jungles of Borneo, where insects are abundant and environmental hazards are a constant challenge, elongated earlobes offered protection. The weight of the earrings naturally discouraged insects from settling around the ears, while the shape itself was believed to improve hearing, enhancing their ability to detect sounds in the forest —a crucial skill for hunters and gatherers.
The practice of ear elongation also reflected the Dayak’s appreciation for beauty and symmetry, deeply rooted in their artistic traditions.
From intricate beadwork to elaborate tattoos, their physical adornments were expressions of identity and storytelling. Each ornament carried meaning, reflecting one’s journey, achievements, and place in society. This meticulous attention to personal and communal aesthetics showcased the Dayak’s refined sense of artistry and connection to the spiritual world.
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However, modern influences have gradually eroded this practice. The younger generation, exposed to external perceptions and shifting cultural values, has largely abandoned ear elongation, seeing it as outdated or impractical in contemporary society.
With the decline of this tradition, an essential part of Dayak heritage risks being lost, leaving future generations without tangible connections to the wisdom of their ancestors.
Yet, cultural resilience remains a defining trait of the Dayak people. Though fewer elders bear the long ears of their ancestors, the essence of their intelligence—their deep respect for nature, their adaptability, and their commitment to preserving their identity —continues to endure.
The true measure of their wisdom is not just in the physical markers of tradition but in their ability to safeguard the values that have sustained them for generations. The question remains: will they reclaim and redefine their heritage in the modern era, or will it fade into history?
To Understand the Dayak, Understand Borneo
In 2018, at City Walk Jakarta, I met Ati Bachtiar. He was carrying a book titled The Footsteps of Long Ears, a fascinating documentation of the dwindling tradition among the Dayak people.
Over coffee at Starbucks, Ati showed me his manuscript and asked, “What do you think, Brother?”
I smiled and said, “Go ahead!” because I knew that research like this is a window into the fading identities of the Dayak people.
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The book captures stories of those who still bear the hallmark of long ears—an emblem of pride that is slowly disappearing. Today, only a handful of elders maintain this tradition. Younger generations, influenced by modernization, are gradually abandoning their ancestral practices, either due to changing times or a lack of understanding of their cultural significance.
Long Ears: A Mark of Humanity, Not Primate
Simson, a 71-year-old Kenyah man, is a guardian of the traditional longhouse in Pampang, Samarinda, East Kalimantan. With wisdom in his eyes, he explained that long ears are more than just an ornament—they are a symbol of identity.
“Dayak men don’t let their ears stretch too long because they often hunt in the forest. It could get caught on branches or roots,” he said. “But for women, who stay at home, long ears are a proud hallmark.”
His words struck a deeper chord. Long ears are not just a physical distinction but a marker of existence.
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“If one day, no Dayak people have long ears anymore, how will we distinguish them from orangutans or monkeys?”
That question lingered. Traditions and cultural markers are the footprints of history that shape identity. Without them, what remains?
Time moves forward, but will we allow the Dayak heritage to fade with it? Or will we fight to keep it alive?
-- Rangkaya Bada