by Pangieh Ranee

Pangiah is originally a "spiritual" necklace worn by women regarded as a healer or priestess. It was rarely seen worn by the Bidayuh common folk.

Pangiah is considered as a sacred item for each dayung borih (priestess) and it is a must to wear it during a procession of healing, harvest celebrations and other ceremonial occasions. It was believed that the Pangiah had the power to gather spirits that would provide guidance and help to grant their wielders request.

During a healing process- each "patient" will normally grant the priestess a prosih (gift) with anything that can be in a form of brass bells, brass coil, ancient coins, bear claws, wild boar tusk, rikis tolam (transparent green-blue beads) or rikis biru (big size blue melon beads). This prosih would then be hung either on the side or the back of the pangiah which is believed to protect the priestess from harm while performing the ceremony.

PANGIAH IN MODERN DAYS:

Mainly use for Fashion, accessorising, complimenting, casual accessories and as a fashion statement. Modern days' pangiah is similar to olden pangiah except without the charms. My personal design inspired by bidayuh traditional pangiah but features beads and colours that are not typically find in traditional design.

Bidayuh people known for being simple but passionate in what-ever they do.

by,

Lucille Awen Jon

Sarawak Young Master - Pangiah Maker (World Craft Council- Unesco)