Unveiling the Mystery of Dayak Ancestry: A Terra Incognita

The inscribed stone in Nanga Mahap shows Hindu influence on Dayak land. The image source is Lontaan, 1975.

The Dayak Research Center (DRC) -  SEKADAU: Research into the ancestry of the Dayak people has barely scratched the surface, covering perhaps no more than five per cent of the vast historical wealth waiting to be unearthed. 

The profound questions of what and who their ancestors were, particularly during the prehistoric era (6,000–4,000 years BCE), remain enigmas yet to be deciphered. 

Unwritten history conceals Borneo’s Neolithic heritage

In this obscurity of history, it is crucial to acknowledge that what is unwritten does not equate to nonexistence. This is the essence of terra incognita, an unexplored domain of knowledge that calls for illumination through a robust hermeneutic bridge. 

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The construction of historical narratives and intertextual approaches offers vital means of uncovering and connecting the scattered fragments.

During the Neolithic period, around 1,500 BCE, evidence concerning the early inhabitants of Borneo is still scant. However, subtle clues appear in Moh. Yamin’s work, 6,000 Tahun Sang Merah Putih, which references the presence of human settlements in the Kapuas hinterlands of West Kalimantan. 

Among the pivotal pieces of evidence is the discovery of salt springs (zoute bronnen), an essential resource for human sustenance. These springs were located in Nanga Balang and Nanga Sepauk, in the upper reaches of the Kapuas River. This fact suggests that the region was already inhabited well before the Common Era. The relatively accessible waterways of the time strengthen the hypothesis of a thriving settlement in this area.

Moreover, rock caves scattered throughout the interior of West and North Kalimantan stand as silent witnesses to the Neolithic civilisation. These caves not only served as shelters but also as centres of social and cultural activities of the era. 

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Artefacts unearthed within these caves—including stone tools, bones, and food remnants—offer insights into the lifestyles and environmental adaptations of early humans in the tropical landscapes.

The Neglected History of Borneo Beyond Mulawarman

Historians often focus on the Kingdom of Mulawarman in East Kalimantan, overshadowing the significance of other regions in Borneo. Yet, fascinating evidence emerges from historical investigations in these lesser-studied areas:

1. The Lingga of Nanga Balang

   In Nanga Balang, Kapuas Hulu Regency, a stone lingga (phallus) was discovered, believed to hold spiritual and ritual significance in its time. Similarly, at the former Sintang Palace site, the Kundur Stone—shaped like a wax gourd—was found, hinting at possible cultural practices tied to nature worship or fertility symbolism.

2. The Kalbut Stone of Nanga Sepauk

   A stone resembling a skullcap was found in Nanga Sepauk. During the Neolithic era, this stone was purportedly used by noblemen to place their headgear while cockfighting. This discovery hints at early social hierarchies and cultural practices that may have been quite advanced for their time.

3. The Siwa Statue of Kampung Temiang

   Upstream of the Sepauk River lies Kampung Temiang, where a bronze statue of Siwa was unearthed. Local residents named it "Patung Kempat," referring to a legendary native princess who became the wife of a prince. This find not only highlights the Hindu influence in Borneo but also illustrates how external cultural elements were assimilated into local traditions.

4. The Mound Near Kalbut Stone

   A mound (munggu) near the Kalbut Stone is considered evidence of Hindu influence in the area around 977 CE. This structure is thought to be a remnant of ritual practices or worship sites, marking an interaction between local and foreign cultural elements.

5. The Hindu Kingdom of Tanjungpura

   In the Ketapang region along the Pawan River, the Hindu kingdom of Tanjungpura flourished between the 12th and 14th centuries. As one of the oldest Hindu kingdoms in West Kalimantan, it holds significant historical value, despite the limited documentation available.

6. Hindu-Buddhist Influence in Other Regions

   Evidence of Hindu-Buddhist presence has also been uncovered in Kampung Pakit, Nanga Mahap District, Sanggau Regency. Here, stone carvings with Pallawa Cautha script were found. This discovery warrants further study, as it may connect to similar inscriptions found in Sungai Begawan, Sarawak, Malaysia. Establishing such links could shed light on ancient trade and cultural networks spanning regions.

7. In Nanga Mahap, Sekadau Regency

   There exists a large inscribed stone believed to have been carved by Buddhist monks. This historic stone holds significant value, and a replica is now housed in the Provincial Museum of West Kalimantan. The presence of the inscribed stone in Dayak territory demonstrates that, in ancient times, the indigenous tribes of Kalimantan were either feudatories or at least influenced by Hindu-Indian culture, followed later by Hindu-Javanese influences.

Bridging the Historical Gaps

These findings offer a gateway to deeper exploration of Borneo’s historical narrative, which has long been overlooked. Multidisciplinary studies involving archaeology, anthropology, and philology are essential to bridge the gaps in our understanding. 

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Unravelling the ancestry of the Dayak people is not merely an academic pursuit; it is a quest to comprehend the cultural roots and identities of the present-day inhabitants of Borneo.

Unraveling the Origins of Borneo’s First Inhabitants: A New Era of Dayak Scholarship

The study of Borneo’s earliest inhabitants and their historical footprints is a fascinating endeavor, offering invaluable insights into the deep and complex past of the island. Research in this field has the potential to uncover critical data and historical facts that challenge existing narratives and expand our understanding of human migration, settlement patterns, and cultural evolution in the region. As the world becomes increasingly interested in indigenous histories and identities, Borneo’s ancient past holds the key to understanding not only the Dayak people’s origins but also their resilience and adaptability throughout history.

Encouragingly, a new generation of Dayak scholars and researchers is emerging, bringing fresh perspectives and rigorous academic standards to the field. These scholars are not merely observers of their own history—they are active participants in shaping the discourse around Borneo’s past. Unlike in previous decades, when much of the research on Dayak history was conducted by foreign academics, today’s Dayak intellectuals are producing high-caliber studies that stand on equal footing with international scholarship. Their work is gaining recognition in global academic circles, highlighting the depth of indigenous knowledge and the need for a more inclusive approach to historical research.

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This shift marks a significant moment in the intellectual landscape of Borneo. Dayak researchers and writers are no longer just subjects of study; they are leading voices in the academic and literary exploration of their heritage. Their research spans archaeology, anthropology, linguistics, and oral history, bridging traditional knowledge with modern methodologies. By publishing their findings in reputable journals, presenting at international conferences, and engaging in cross-disciplinary collaborations, they are ensuring that the narrative of Borneo’s first inhabitants is told authentically, accurately, and with a profound cultural understanding.

The rise of internationally recognized Dayak scholars is not just a matter of academic prestige—it is a step toward reclaiming the history and identity of the Dayak people. Their work challenges outdated colonial perspectives, empowers indigenous narratives, and provides a foundation for future generations to build upon. As this movement continues to grow, the history of Borneo’s first inhabitants will no longer be shaped solely by outsiders but will instead be written and interpreted by those who have the deepest connection to the land and its stories.

-- Masri Sareb Putra, M.A.