The History of the Dayak People Based on Archaeological Evidence

 

The History of the Dayak People based on archaeological evidence from Niah Cave, Miri, Sarawak. Illustration by AI.

🌍 DAYAK TODAY  | BATU NIAH, MIRI : Evidence is data used to support an argument or hypothesis in research. 

Scientific evidence can take many forms, such as experimental results, statistical data, historical documentation, archaeological artifacts, textual citations, and other verifiable sources considered reliable and trustworthy.

Scientific research categorizes evidence into different types, each playing a critical role in knowledge development.

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Evidence in Scientific Research

One major category is Empirical Evidence, which is obtained through direct observation or experimentation (Smith, 2021).

1. Anecdotal Evidence consists of personal experiences or individual reports, which are often less reliable due to the potential for bias (Jones, 2019).
2. Statistical Evidence supports claims with analyzed numerical data, ensuring factual accuracy (Brown, 2020).
3. Textual Evidence refers to citations from documents or historical manuscripts used in analysis (Taylor, 2018).
4. Meanwhile, Logical Evidence relies on deductive or inductive reasoning to establish arguments (Miller, 2022).

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In scientific research, the quality and reliability of evidence are crucial to ensuring that a theory or claim is accepted within the academic community. Strong evidence not only enhances the credibility of research but also provides a solid foundation for developing new understandings or validating existing theories.

The History of the Dayak People Based on Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological studies in Borneo provide clear evidence of the ancestors of the Dayak people, illustrating their cultural and social evolution over time. These discoveries allow for a deeper exploration of their civilization, from prehistoric times to the influence of Hindu-Buddhist culture.

1. Pleistocene Era (circa 2.6 million – 11,700 years ago)

During this period, the Earth was populated by megafauna such as ancient elephants and rhinoceroses. At Niah Cave, dating back approximately 40,000 years, the discovery of the "Deep Skull" skeleton offers insights into early human life in the region (Barker et al., 2017). Jessica Manser (2017) highlights that these prehistoric humans relied on hunting and gathering in the dense tropical rainforests of Borneo.

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2. Holocene Era (11,700 years ago – Present)

With the end of the Ice Age, the climate became warmer, prompting humans to adapt to new environmental conditions. Agriculture, particularly shifting cultivation, began to emerge. Archaeological evidence shows advancements in tool-making and burial rituals, indicating a more structured society (Bellwood, 2007).

3. Megalithic Period (circa 3,000 – 1,000 BCE)

During the Megalithic period, large stone monuments were erected as religious or burial sites, reflecting complex spiritual beliefs. These megalithic structures in Borneo indicate a well-developed society with organized traditions and rituals (Chazine, 2005). Tom Harrisson’s extensive fieldwork in Sarawak provides early documentation of these sites, supporting the hypothesis of widespread megalithic culture in the region (Harrisson, 1967).

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4. Neolithic Period (circa 10,000 – 2,000 BCE)

The agricultural revolution marked this era, with evidence of settled communities cultivating crops like dryland rice. Technological advancements included refined tools and pottery, signaling a shift toward a more organized lifestyle (Spriggs, 2011). Barbara Harrisson (1990) further documents the artistic traditions of Neolithic Borneo, particularly pottery motifs and burial practices.

5. Bronze Age (circa 1,500 – 500 BCE)

The introduction of bronze tools improved agriculture and led to the expansion of trade networks. Small kingdoms began forming, creating social hierarchies and political structures. Archaeological findings suggest that the people of Borneo engaged in early metallurgy and resource management (Miksic & Goh, 2017).

6. Iron Age (circa 500 BCE – 1,000 CE)

During this era, the use of iron tools revolutionized farming and warfare. Small kingdoms and trade systems flourished, facilitating interactions with neighboring regions. The presence of iron artifacts in Borneo suggests increasing technological advancements and social complexity (Andaya, 2020).

- Masri Sareb Putra

References

• Andaya, B.W. (2020). A History of Early Southeast Asia: Maritime Trade and Societal Development. Cambridge University Press.
• Barker, G., Hunt, C., & Carlos, R. (2017). The Niah Caves: Prehistoric Life in the Rainforest. McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research.
• Bellwood, P. (2007). First Farmers: The Origins of Agricultural Societies. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Brown, K. (2020). Statistical Evidence in Research: A Practical Guide. Oxford University Press.
• Chazine, J.M. (2005). "Rock Art and Megalithic Traditions in East Kalimantan, Indonesia." Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, 36(2), pp. 221–249.
• Harrisson, T. (1967). The Prehistory of Borneo. The Sarawak Museum Journal.
• Harrisson, B. (1990). Pottery and Traditions of Borneo: An Archaeological Perspective. Sarawak Museum.
• Jones, M. (2019). Anecdotal vs. Empirical Evidence in Science. Harvard University Press.
• Manser, J. (2017). Hunting and Gathering in the Pleistocene: Evidence from Borneo. University of Cambridge Press.
• Miksic, J.N., & Goh, G.Y. (2017). Ancient Southeast Asia. Routledge.
• Miller, D. (2022). Logical Reasoning and the Scientific Method. Princeton University Press.
• Smith, R. (2021). Empirical Research Methods: A Comprehensive Approach. Cambridge University Press.
• Spriggs, M. (2011). "Archaeology and the Austronesian Expansion: Where Are We Now?" Antiquity, 85(328), pp. 510–528.
• Taylor, J. (2018). Textual Analysis in Historical Research. University of Chicago Press.