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Culture Discovering the Temuan People: An Exploration of a Unique Indigenous Culture
- CHIN XIN MIN
- Mar 1
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 2
Guardians of the Rainforest: Legends and Beliefs of the Temuan People
According to Temuan mythology, thousands of years ago, their ancestors committed a transgression known as "Celau," angering their deities and ancestors. In response, the deities decided to unleash punishment in the form of a great flood, intending to drown all Temuan individuals who had sinned. "Celau" refers to both specific transgressions and the storms that arise when Temuan taboos are violated.
During the storm of "Celau," a Temuan man named “Mamak” and a woman named “Inak Bungsuk” were able to calm the storm by chanting sacred mantras. They survived by climbing an Eagwood tree on Royal Mountain (Gunung Rajah), located at the border of Selangor and Pahang.
The Temuan people believe they are messengers placed on Earth (referred to as Tanah Tujuh) by their ancestors to serve as guardians of the rainforest. If they fail to fulfill this sacred duty, they believe the world will descend into chaos.
Additionally, the Temuan people hold that natural elements such as rivers, hills, rocks, and trees are protected by spiritual guardians. For instance, rivers are believed to be guarded by dragons (naga) and snakes (ular), and if their habitats are desecrated, it is thought to result in disorder and calamity.
Temuan Language
The Temuan people have their own language, known as Temuan, which belongs to the Austronesian language family.
In Temuan, certain words share similarities with Malay, but they are distinguished by unique pronunciations and vocabulary specific to the Temuan culture, such as:
No. | Bahasa Temuan | Bahasa Melayu | Bahasa Inggeris |
1. | Akuk | Saya | I |
2. | Ong | Kamu | You |
3. | Ayah | Ayah | Father |
4. | Mak | Ibu | Mother |
5. | Ge’ek | Abang | Brother |
6. | Gauk | Kakak | Sister |
7. | Adik | Adik | Young Sister/Brother |
8. | Adik | Apa Khabar? | How are you? |
9. | Apak Kaba | Khabar Baik | I’m fine |
10. | Selamat Pagik | Selamat Pagi | Good morning |
11. | Selamat Petang | Selamat Petang | Good afternoon |
12. | Selamat Gelap | Selamat Malam | Good Night |
Source: TCIC
Early Temuan Pronunciation of Numbers
Number | Bahasa Temuan |
1 | Nik |
2 | Upa |
3 | Nga |
4 | Loo |
5 | Jen |
6 | Tik |
7 | Bla |
8 | Sau |
9 | Ren |
10 | Nam |
Source: Sinchew daily
Traditional Attire of the Temuan People
The traditional attire of the Temuan people is primarily crafted from natural materials, often woven from tree bark and leaves.
For Temuan women, traditional skirts are commonly made from Nypa leaves (Daun Nipah) or Mengkuang leaves (Daun Mengkuang) through intricate weaving techniques.
Source: Malaysiakini
The traditional attire of Temuan men is made from the bark of the Terap tree (Pokok Terap). The process of creating this fabric involves several intricate steps, such as:
First, the outer bark of the tree is removed.
The bark is soaked for two days.
Using a mallet, the inner bark is gently hammered to separate it from the trunk.
The flattened bark forms a fibrous fabric that can be used to create garments such as shirts or skirts.
Furthermore, the traditional attire of the Temuan community includes the headdress (Tanjak) and crossbody accessory (Sipang), which are often crafted on the eve of Ancestor’s Day (Hari Moyang) and can serve as gifts to welcome distinguished guests and visitors. The headdress (Tanjak), a traditional headpiece of the Temuan people, is worn during significant celebrations, such as Ancestor’s Day (Hari Moyang), as a symbol of respect. The crossbody accessory (Sipang), initially worn exclusively by the indigenous people, has gradually evolved into an accessory that can be worn by anyone.
As time has passed and modernization has influenced the community, the style of Temuan attire has gradually evolved to align with mainstream aesthetics and practical needs. However, these traditional garments are still preserved for special occasions such as festival celebrations or cultural exhibitions, serving as important symbols of cultural heritage and identity.
According to the residents of Kampung Pulau Kempas, a newly crafted traditional Temuan bark garment typically has a lifespan of about two years. If it becomes damaged, it needs to be remade before the next festive occasion.
Traditional Temuan Dance: Tarian Sewang
Tarian Sewang: A Traditional Dance of the Temuan Community
Tarian Sewang is the most representative traditional dance of the Temuan community, celebrated for its profound cultural significance and unique performance style. It plays an essential role during festivals and community gatherings, involving dancers, musicians, and singers. Both men and women actively participate in this vibrant tradition.
During performances, dancers wear traditional attire adorned with accessories crafted from Mengkuang leaves (Daun Mengkuang), Nypa leaves (Daun Nipah), or Palm leaves (Daun Kelapa Sawit). These decorations, including belts, headdress and chest ornaments, collectively known as Anyaman Subang, add to the visual splendor of the dance. The performance is accompanied by a bamboo musical instrument called Kong-Kong, whose distinctive sound enhances the dance's lively rhythm, captivating the audience.
Historically, Tarian Sewang was deeply intertwined with the spiritual world and primarily performed as a ritual dance. It was used in healing ceremonies to address ailments associated with the spirit and to pacify the souls of the departed. Additionally, it served as an expression of gratitude and a prayer for blessings, often performed as a tribute to nature or ancestral spirits. For this reason, the Temuan people traditionally perform Tarian Sewang on the Ancestor’s Day (Hari Moyang).
However, with the evolution of society, economy, and technology, the dance's functions and meanings have gradually shifted. Today, Tarian Sewang is often performed as a welcoming dance at the opening ceremonies of various events. It is also a signature performance when the Temuan community receives visitors to their village.
The music accompanying Tarian Sewang varies depending on the occasion. According to Temuan villagers, the dance can be performed both during the day and at night. Evening performances differ slightly, as dancers are expected to express heightened joy and enthusiasm. This stems from the belief that ancestral spirits are present during nighttime performances. The dancers, through their jubilant movements, aim to convey to their ancestors that they are living happily and well.
Temuan Handicraft
Among the indigenous communities of Peninsular Malaysia, the Temuan people are renowned for their rich cultural heritage and exceptional craftsmanship. Their handicrafts not only reflect a deep connection with nature but also showcase unique cultural symbols and traditional knowledge. Temuan handicrafts encompass a wide variety of items, primarily categorized into three main types: woven products, bark clothing, and wooden artifacts. These creations serve both practical and ceremonial purposes, forming an integral part of Temuan culture and embodying their respect and appreciation for natural resources.
Woven products are a hallmark of Temuan craftsmanship, created from natural materials such as mengkuang leaves (Daun Mengkuang), nypa leaves (Daun Nipah), palm leaves (Daun Kelapa Sawit), rattan (Rotan), and bamboo. These include household essentials like mats, baskets, bags, water bottle carriers, and storage boxes, which are widely used for daily life and the storage and transport of goods. For instance, woven mats are indispensable household items, while baskets and bags serve as key storage tools.
The weaving technique extends beyond utilitarian objects to include jewelry such as bracelets, necklaces, and rings. These accessories are commonly worn in daily life and are sometimes sold externally. During significant festivals and celebrations, these adornments are prominently displayed, reflecting the Temuan people’s traditional culture and aesthetic values.
In the past, personal adornments like the crossbody accessory (Sipang) symbolized identity and cultural heritage, playing a vital role in ceremonies and celebrations. Additionally, the Temuan people produce traditional headgear such as the headdress (Tanjak) and decorative flowers known as Bunga Durian (referred to as Bunga Subang). The headdress (Tanjak) serves both as an ornamental headdress and a welcome gift for guests, signifying hospitality. Bunga Durian is used in ceremonial contexts, particularly weddings and the Ancestor’s Day (Hari Moyang), symbolizing blessings and unity.
Another notable item is the bracelet (Gelang Lancang), crafted from the seeds of a plant known as Lancang or Buah Jelai. These bracelets are believed to protect wearers from colds during rainy weather, carrying a sense of spiritual protection and well-being.
The Temuan people also excel in creating wooden artifacts, including blowpipes (Sumpit) and spears, musical instruments (Kong-Kong), and decorative wall hangings. These wooden items are both functional and a testament to the craftsmanship passed down through generations.
In addition to fulfilling daily and cultural needs, Temuan handicrafts hold commercial value. Woven baskets, in particular, are highly sought after, especially among Chinese customers who often use them for carrying durians. The baskets are traditionally made from mengkuang leaves, which require a labor-intensive preparation process involving steaming and other steps. Consequently, mengkuang baskets are typically reserved for personal use or crafted as intricate pieces for performances.
For mass production or external sales, the Temuan people often use Palm leaves (Daun Kelapa Sawit), which are easier to process, allowing for greater efficiency in meeting commercial demands.
Temuan handicrafts not only embody a rich cultural legacy but also provide a meaningful source of income for the community, demonstrating the enduring relevance of their traditional skills in both cultural and economic contexts.
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