Sunday 7 August 2022

The Bidayuh Pedawan lady

This picture taken on April 9, 2017, shows Anyu Daik (R), 70, and Anat Ugom, 44 (L), from a sub-tribe of the Bidayuhs indigenous group, wearing traditional yellow copper rings called "rasung" on their calves, "ruyang" on their forearms and "tumbih" as necklaces as they eat inside their kitchen in Padawan. 

There are currently only three Bidayuh women or "ring ladies" still alive there. The women started wearing the yellow copper rings when they were around 10 and have continuously worn them since as they are seen as a sign of beauty and prestige. According to the Bidayuh community, this is a tradition that has been passed down for generations. 

It is also believed that their ancestors traded with the Chinese and the copper rings were payment for goods procured from the villagers.

 

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