Sarawak

Niah Cave:

• Location: Between Miri and Bintulu, Malaysia

• Importance: Habitat for Stone Age humans

• Tools and Weapons: Utilized stone-made tools and weapons, illustrating early human ingenuity and adaptation.

People of Sarawak

Indigenous Groups:

• Ibans: A significant ethnic group known for their rich cultural traditions and practices. Traditionally, they practiced headhunting which has now mostly ceased.

• Bidayuh: Known for their agricultural practices, particularly rice cultivation. They maintain unique customs and traditional longhouses.

• Melanaus: Primarily found along the coastal regions, they have a strong affinity to fishing and agriculture.

Malay Community:

• Malays: One of the largest ethnic groups in Sarawak, known for their Islamic cultural practices and community ethics.

Chinese Communities:

• Hakka: A subgroup within the Chinese community, known for their distinct language and cuisine.

• Hokkiens: Another major Chinese subgroup, typically involved in trade and fisheries.

• Chao Anns (Teochews): Known for their entrepreneurial spirit and strong presence in the business community.

• Cantonese: Prominent in various trades and industries, including culinary and entertainment sectors.

• Henghua: A smaller

Trade in Early Times

• Chinese Pepper: A sought-after spice in ancient trade, recognized for its value and flavor.

• Species: Rare animal and plant species often traded for their unique properties or beauty.

• Jars: Used for storage of goods, often intricately designed and valuable in trade.

• Bird's Nest: Highly valued in Chinese cuisine, particularly in soups, making it a luxury item in trade.

• Hornbill Horn: Utilized for various purposes in traditional crafts and believed to hold cultural significance.

• Rhino Horn: Historically traded for its supposed medicinal properties, though now illegal due to conservation efforts.

Trade in Sarawak

• Sarawak's trade can be traced back to connections with Melaka, a significant trading port in Southeast Asia. The region served as a crossroads

Early Empires of Southeast Asia

Srivijaya

• Location: Sumatra

• Religious Influence: Buddhism

• Significance: Srivijaya was a dominant maritime power that controlled trade routes and facilitated the spread of Buddhism throughout the region.

Majapahit

• Location: Java

• Religious Influence: Hinduism

• Significance: The Majapahit Empire is known for its significant cultural achievements and its role in promoting Hinduism and Javanese culture.

Transition to Islam

• Event

Spread of Islam in Borneo and Melaka:

• Merchants: Arab-Muslim merchants played a crucial role in the spread of Islam in Melaka, which was a significant trading port in Southeast Asia. Their trade activities not only facilitated economic exchanges but also cultural and religious interactions.

• Malay Community: The Malay people in Sarawak adapted to Islam, integrating it into their cultural practices. They developed a written language that reflects their Islamic influences and traditions.

• Cultural Impact: The interactions through trade and the presence of Muslim merchants led to the adoption of Islamic practices

Arrival of Europeans in Southeast Asia

1. Portuguese:

   • Vasco da Gama: Key figure in establishing sea routes to India and the Spice Islands.

2. Dutch:

   • Capture of Melaka: The Dutch took Melaka and parts of Indonesia from the Portuguese through warfare.

   • Expansion: They captured territories across the Malay Peninsula, including Sarawak and Sabah.

   • Trading Outposts: Established control over key trading ports including Penang, Melaka, and Singapore.

3. Spanish Explorers:

   • Christopher Columbus: Credited with discovering America.

   • Ferdinand Magellan: Led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe; died in the Philippines while on the voyage.