Have You Seen This Before?

This three story high wood carving is called "Salong". I wanted to take a picture with this impressive double trunk Salong until I found out what it was.

Salong means Burial Hut, literally. This particular one was originally erected over 100 years ago on the right bank of Long Segaham (Kapit division). It was presented to the Sarawak Museum (Kuching) by the people of Belaga in 1973.

It was made by Avun Dian, the Kayan Chief, to inter the bones of his beloved daughter, Lisan. It took 5 craftmen and many helpers over 5 years to complete the carving on the poles. Many years later, the bones of a Kejaman Chief, Taman Tipong Tului, the grand nephew of Avun Dian, were also interred in this Salong.