About
Borneo Boat Lute Revival
About
Borneo Boat Lute Revival
What are boat lutes
Instruments include the famous Sapé, the Sundatang of Sabah, the Iban Belikan, the Tapi of the Lun Bawang and many more.
What are boat lutes
Instruments include the famous Sapé, the Sundatang of Sabah, the Iban Belikan, the Tapi of the Lun Bawang and many more.
Where is Borneo?
Situated in Southeast Asia, Borneo island is divided between three countries; East Malaysian territories of Sarawak and Sabah, Kalimantan of Indonesia, and the small nation of Brunei. It is also the third largest island in the world. The island has the South China Sea to the northwest, the Sulu Sea to the northeast, the Celebes Sea to the east and the Java sea to the south. With its rich cultural heritage and environmental biodiversity, it is home to over 50 ethnic Dayak (Borneo indigenous) groups and subgroups, speaking different languages with differing cultural practices.
Where is Borneo?
Situated in Southeast Asia, Borneo island is divided between three countries; East Malaysian territories of Sarawak and Sabah, Kalimantan of Indonesia, and the small nation of Brunei. It is also the third largest island in the world. The island has the South China Sea to the northwest, the Sulu Sea to the northeast, the Celebes Sea to the east and the Java sea to the south. With its rich cultural heritage and environmental biodiversity, it is home to over 50 ethnic Dayak (Borneo indigenous) groups and subgroups, speaking different languages with differing cultural practices.
Why do we need a revival?
As ancient instruments used for celebrations, spirituality and cultural performances, the boat lutes of Borneo can help to tell the stories of our heritage, whilst also finding a place in contemporary music.
The exploration and reimagining of these instruments from local indigenous perspectives becomes a tool for dialogue on lost knowledge and ways of life, helping to trace paths between past, present, and future of some of these endangered instruments.
Why do we need a revival?
As ancient instruments used for celebrations, spirituality and cultural performances, the boat lutes of Borneo can help to tell the stories of our heritage, whilst also finding a place in contemporary music.
The exploration and reimagining of these instruments from local indigenous perspectives becomes a tool for dialogue on lost knowledge and ways of life, helping to trace paths between past, present, and future of some of these endangered instruments.
What are we doing?
Combining fieldwork, archival research and conversations with cultural practitioners, this platform aims to highlight Borneo’s boat lutes and share the stories behind the instruments and the indigenous communities who make them.
What are we doing?
Combining fieldwork, archival research and conversations with cultural practitioners, this platform aims to highlight Borneo’s boat lutes and share the stories behind the instruments and the indigenous communities who make them.
Who are we?
Borneo Boat Lute Revival is a movement started by a collective of artists, musicians, performers, and researchers with the ambition to preserve and develop this endangered knowledge of Bornean boat lutes and share it with current and future generations who can begin to make and play these beautiful instruments once again.
Catama Borneo: is a social enterprise working with rural and urban communities, indigenous artisans and cultural practitioners to document and explore traditional and contemporary approaches to Borneo’s unique creative heritage. Based in Kuching, Sarawak
The Tuyang Initiative: is a community-led creative & arts management company focused on Dayak cultural heritage. Based in Miri, Sarawak.
CtrlD Studio: is a creative tech and game development studio focused on curating unique interactive storytelling experiences. Based in Kuching, Sarawak.
Who are we?
Borneo Boat Lute Revival is a movement started by a collective of artists, musicians, performers, and researchers with the ambition to preserve and develop this endangered knowledge of Bornean boat lutes and share it with current and future generations who can begin to make and play these beautiful instruments once again.
Catama Borneo: is a social enterprise working with rural and urban communities, indigenous artisans and cultural practitioners to document and explore traditional and contemporary approaches to Borneo’s unique creative heritage. Based in Kuching, Sarawak
The Tuyang Initiative: is a community-led creative & arts management company focused on Dayak cultural heritage. Based in Miri, Sarawak.
CtrlD Studio: is a creative tech and game development studio focused on curating unique interactive storytelling experiences. Based in Kuching, Sarawak.
Meet the Research Team
Name of Researcher
Role/Contribution
Name of Researcher
Role/Contribution
Name of Researcher
Role/Contribution
Disclaimer
All information on the Borneo Boat Lute Revival website is based on research findings conducted by the team and/or sharings of knowledge by its community contributors. It is subject to changes and updates at any time. To discuss any information or use of material from this site, please reach us at hello@borneoboatlutes.com.
Get In Touch
A great deal of thought and deliberation went into every piece of information in the archive before it was finally accepted for inclusion. We’d love to hear from you if you’d want to keep the conversation going! Inquiries, comments and recommendations are always welcome.
catriona.catama@gmail.com
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