IDNO

DG.101983.PAO

Description

Otor anak Sunjam, wearing his tua gawai (ritual head) stagi (leopard teeth necklace) over a polo tee-shirt and shorts, and carrying a miniature nengin (leaf-shaped bark shield) and ?staff, poses for the camera in a corner of his house.
Above him is mounted a photographic portrait of a man in military uniform, possibly King George VI of Britain.

Place

SE Asia Borneo; Malaysia; Sarawak; Penrissen; Kampung Benuk [Kampung Segu Bunuk]

Cultural Affliation

Bidayuh [historically Land Dayak]

Named Person

Otor anak Sunjam; ?King George VI

Photographer

?Paka anak Otor

Collector / Expedition

Paka anak Otor

Date

25 July 1967

Collection Name

Paka anak Otor Collection

Source

Paka anak OtorChua, Liana

Format

Print Black & White

Primary Documentation

Other Information

Source: A selection of 185 prints from Paka anak Otor’s larger collection of approximately 500 prints was made by Liana Chua during fieldwork in Kampung Benuk, Sarawak, Malaysia, in 2005. The purchase of non-exclusive reproduction rights [RM 1845, £250] by the Museum to the family of Paka anak Otor [82 Kampung Benuk, Jalan Puncak Borneo, Kuching 93250, Sarawak, Malaysia], and digital copy photographs of the collection [RM 869, £125] were paid for by the Museum Acquisition Fund [£250] and part of a Crowther-Beynon grant [£125] for the collecting of Sarawak objects. The digital scans were made by Fung Huang Colour Photo Centre [153 Padungan Road, Kuching, Sarawak] in 2005. [Liana Chua 2/8/2007]

Context: Although Sarawak became part of the new Federation of Malaysia in 1963, there was significant residual local fondness for British rule - both that of the Brooke Raj (1841-1946) and the British crown (1946-1963). Many people in Kampung Benuk have kept their portraits of earlier rulers, notably those of the third White Rajah, Vyner Brooke, on display in their homes. [Liana Chua 29/8/2007]

This catalogue record has been updated with the support of the Getty Grant Program Two. [Liana Chua 29/8/2007]