Kela-Beads

Beads are an important artefact in the Kelabit culture. The art of Kelabit beading is an extremely intricate process, involving up to a few thousand glass beads of various different colors, shapes and sizes. These beaded adornments are usually done by the womenfolk during their free time and takes long hours of labour and skill to produce traditional Kelabit beaded caps, waistbands, necklaces and bracelets. These beads were also traditionally sewn onto the traditional garb as embellishment, however, there are few Kelabit ladies who still have this skill.

Some of these beads are extremely precious and are considered heirloom possessions passed from one generation down to the next. Such pieces are extremely valuable and are worn on very special occasions. 

An image from Tepu' Sinah Rang's Bead Shop

This is where Tepu' normally works on her beadwork. It's on the verandah of the longhouse, facing the beautiful mountains. 

Look at all the beads! 

During my visit in Bario, I was paired with Tepu' Sinah Rang, who showed me her entire bead collection and also let those who were interested meddle around with the beads. Tepu' is known for her beautiful handicraft and her skill with beads. She has tonnes of beadwork jewellery in her bead shop. From her, I learned about the basics of beading. 

All sorts of beads! These were relatively easier to differentiate because of the distinct colors. 

Photo credit: Ho Ji Bee 

My first task assigned to me was to separate the beads according to their colors. Frankly, that was an incredibly agonizing 4 hours for my eyes. One color might have up to 10 shades which are so incredibly close to each other! I really really learned the intricacy of the whole beadwork process just by separating those beads. 

Aunty Nicole telling me a bit about the beads. Look at the bottom right corner of the picture, see the round pan of red beads? There are at least 8 different shades in there. 

yup. jeremy.

Tepu' working on making a Peta' Bao Rawir - The traditional Kelabit cap for women 

While we worked, I took the opportunity to learn more about beading. I learned that the beads are extremely expensive and each Peta Bao Rawir can cost up to RM1,200 for ones which are made of standard 'newer' beads. These beads are imported from either China, Indonesia and France. Those made with heirloom beads can go up to RM5,000-RM6,000 each. The beads are made from glass, making these products very heavy. 

Here's the women in their traditional Kelabit outfits. Complete with the caps, necklaces and waistbands. 

Here's a video of tepu' explaining a little bit about beading. It took us a bit of practice to get her English right and she learns really quick! Whee~!