The Dayak Proverbs Related to Land and Life

Apai Janggut, the head of the longhouse in Sungai Utik from the Dayak Iban ethnic group, is known for his exceptional natural intelligence and possesses an extraordinary wealth of Dayak proverbs. Photo credit: the author.

BORNEOTRAVEL - PONTIANAK: For the Dayak people, proverbs are not merely beautiful words that are easy to say and pleasant to hear. They embody the very soul of a culture, carrying the wisdom of a nation, tribe, and community that has endured for centuries, even millennia.

Tradition in Proverbs

As an outsider, you may wonder, “Why is the influence of customary law so deeply rooted among the Dayaks, regardless of where they live?”

The answer lies in their proverbs:

“Hidup dikandung adat, mati dikandung tanah (Life is nurtured by customs, and death is embraced by the earth).”

“Betungkat ke adat basa bepegai ke pengator pekara – Stick to the customs and respect the guardians of tradition,” as the Iban people say.

“Biar sesat di belantara, asalkan jangan sesat di adat basa” (Let us wander lost in the jungle, as long as we remain true to our customs).

To the Dayaks, these proverbs transcend mere words. They represent an entire body of unspoken knowledge—knowledge passed down through generations, carrying the weight of experiences that stretch across time. 

These proverbs encapsulate a people’s strengths, their virtues, and their understanding of life—an understanding that may not always be found in written texts or scientific publications.

Tacit Knowledge

It is well known that 95% of human knowledge is tacit knowledge, an intuitive and experiential form of wisdom. The remaining 5% is formalized and recorded in books, lectures, and research. For the Dayak people, this tacit knowledge is deeply embedded in their way of life—an inheritance of traditions, experiences, and cultural practices that aren’t learned in schools, but rather through life itself.

The term “tacit” comes from the Latin word tacere, meaning silent or unspoken, but it’s important to clarify that this isn’t about literal silence. Tacit knowledge is a form of learning that occurs outside formal education. It is cultivated through direct experience, deep reflection, skill development, and a commitment to one’s heritage and community.

This form of knowledge is not abstract or theoretical; it is practical, lived, and embodied. It’s knowledge that transcends verbal articulation, yet shapes one’s actions, decisions, and way of life. When someone possesses tacit knowledge, they have internalized a deep understanding of their world, their culture, and their people—often developing personal theories and approaches to life that reflect this.

In the Dayak proverb, we see all these elements of tacit knowledge:

1. Experience – Gained through generations of living in harmony with nature and customs.
2. Thought – Deep reflection on life, values, and community.
3. Competence – Mastery of skills passed down through tradition.
4. Commitment – A dedication to preserving customs and cultural identity.

These elements, encapsulated in their proverbs, provide a rich, living wisdom that continues to guide the Dayak people. They also remind us all of the importance of unspoken, lived knowledge.

-- Rangkaya Bada