Iban warrior had a fearsome reputation as a strong and successful warring tribe in the past. In the old days, they were truly warriors and they led and were never wanted to be led by other people.
For newly opened region or territory during their head-hunting days, their tuai menoa allocated settlement areas to their followers and their young men who displayed courage in the battlefield were entitled to called bujang berani or “brave bachelor”.
Collecting a head and bringing it back to the village was a sign of masculinity and a highly sought–after trait when it came to marriage and prestige in the community. The Iban believed cutting off the head gave them possession of the spirit which in turn made the collector more powerful.
As soon as the successful warriors arrived back home in their village elaborate reception ceremonies, the head feasts, that surrounded the ritual welcoming of the victim’s head enabled its spirit to become a friend, guardian, and benefactor of the headhunters’ community.
Iban warrior
