Background

Raja Tuan, Hemel Hempstead – The Name

No this is not a new Indian Restaurant as some clients have suggested.

My wife Julia Raja originates from deep in the Borneo jungle of Sarawak, Malaysia. Julia’s village Bario is not accessible by road. The choice is a 5 day trek through the jungle, or a flight on a 15 seater plane.

Bario is inhabited by the Kelabits, a small tribe numbering approximately 4,000. I am probably biased, but this is by far the most peaceful and tranquil place I have ever visited. It is difficult to believe that only three generations earlier, the Kelabits were head-hunters. If you look carefully you will find skulls hidden away in the rafters of some of the longhouses. You will understand why I try to keep sharp utensils out of the kitchen!

In Kelabit tradition, getting married is a relatively quiet affair, usually celebrated over a glass of wine. The big party is saved to welcome the arrival of your first born.

In 1996 we ventured back to Bario with other members of the family and friends for our Naming Ceremony. The naming ceremony involved approximately 1,500 people from Bario and the surrounding villages all joining together for an amazing day of celebration. The day time events included:-

• Blow darts 
• Pig lifting 
• Tug of war 
• Hash (a run through the jungle to avoid confusion)
• Football match in a paddy field 
• Climbing a slippery pole 
• Rice pounding

The culmination of proceedings was a huge party with traditional dancing, singing, speeches and rather strangely a luck draw.

For the evening we were all dressed in the local costume which fundamentally was a loin cloth and a jacket made out of bark.

During the evening proceedings the key people were all given new names to denote their new status. For example, Julia and I were now parents and our parents were now grand parents. The name we were given was, you guessed it, Raja Tuan. Whenever I visit Bario I will be referred to as Raja Tuan.

If you were ever wanting to visit this area, feel free to let us know. We could certainly give you some contacts, the Kelabits are very welcoming people.

Andy Little