Introduction

Tabi basa balarantek! Today is Friday, and I would like to share a story about Bidayuh Beauty, which is part of the my passion project. 

What is Bidayuh Beauty? 

I defined Bidayuh Beauty Project as a long term project that captures the beauty of Bidayuh peoples, particularly the ladies. I also not limit them in wearing traditional dress, but for the sake of portraying the beauty of Bidayuh peoples, I asked them to wear their traditional clothes. 

Bidayuh Beauty: Dayung Bi-Reteh

This time, I would like to share about Bidayuh Beauty from Kampung Reteh. For your information, Kampung Reteh is one of the many Bidayuh villages at Serian area, and it is divided into Kpg Reteh Karas, Kpg Reteh Plaman & Kpg Reteh Mawang. The concept is similar to Iban’s “Rumah” concept, except for this, the settlement is scattered around the village. Also, there is no need for a combined houses as there were no enemies to fend off. It is good for people’s privacy as well. 

For this post, I am showcasing Heliana Erny Brody from Kpg Reteh. Nicknamed Lily, she was born at Sarawak Government Hospital and lived 9 years in Sibu before returns back to Serian. She is taking Science-stream and wished to become a successful veterinary physician or a teacher, as her secondoption. She really love pets, especially cats. 

Cats is one of the most common household pets in Bidayuh community, and it is safe to say almost every Bidayuh house has cats. This come from the past mutual relationship between cats and Bidayuhs where cats are required to hunt down the mice that ravages the “bari” or paddy house. 

She likes to do make-over and playing guitar. She also does fishing sometimes. Being the youngest of the 6 siblings, she is the only one that is still studying. All her four brothers and a sister have worked. Since their father passed away 7 years ago, they lived with their mother who came from Kpg Prangkan Mawang. 

Kpg Reteh is famous for its river, Sungai Batang Kayan. Perhaps one day, there would be another photoshoot there? Who knows?

Tukang Rantek,
Claudius

Note: Claudius is a PORTRAIT & BOUDOIR “tukang rantek” (photographer in Bidayuh Pichin) based in Miri, with passion for writing.

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