As for today, there is only one book covering on Sarawak beads entitled ‘Beads of Borneo’ by Heidi Munan who is the Honorary Curator of Beads for Sarawak Museum. She published this book in year 2005.

 Beads of Borneo front cover

It is reported so far there are only 40 families in Borneo reported to own the ‘hidden diamond’. And the ‘hidden diamond’ that I’m referring to is none other than the infamous ‘Lukut Sekala’ bead.

 Close up look of Lukut Sekala bead

It is said back in the older days during the headhunting time, the price of a ‘Lukut Sekala’ is equivalent to 2 lives or more dramatic word for it would be - SLAVE. Back then only the strong, in other word the ‘Maren’ or some says the ‘Paren’ or ‘Ke’tau’ can do so as they are the ‘chosen one’ in the society ranking.

 Modern days, people tend to add modern touch to the beads and applying gold to it as rings is one of the effort

Those are my personal belongings and they are old beads

OK, enough of the effort of bringing you to the fantasy world of headhunting, now fast forward to the present. ;p

Yesterday, I’ve experiencing my first round of research studies with my colleagues and I’m having fun with it as the hidden diamond project is related to my family root. I’ve learnt a lot, feeling grateful and fortunate to work hand in hand with my colleagues who had done plenty of research and publications on culture studies.

 This is known as 'bua uleng luk'

I'm going through the name of the beads

With the labels, it makes life easier for documentation purposes

I’m just ‘the new kid on the block’ here. ;p

As this is just the early stage of the research and due to copyright issues, I have to ‘tone down’ myself from not revealing it in details although deep inside I want to jott down every single detail.

ps - I felt proud when Heidi Munan did acknowledge my mom’s contribution in her book. :)