Iban marriage, also known as "sambilai," is a traditional marriage practice among the Iban people, who are an indigenous group found in the state of Sarawak in Malaysia and in the neighboring Indonesian province of West Kalimantan. The Iban people have a rich cultural heritage and their marriage practices reflect their values and beliefs.
In Iban marriage, the groom is expected to pay a bride price to the bride's family. This bride price, known as "berian," consists of goods such as pigs, gold, and cloth. The amount of the bride price is negotiated between the groom's family and the bride's family and is based on the social status and wealth of both families.
The marriage ceremony itself is a complex and elaborate event that involves a series of rituals and ceremonies. It begins with the "ngabang," in which the groom and his family visit the bride's family to formally ask for her hand in marriage. If the bride's family agrees to the marriage, the groom and his family must perform a series of tasks, including dancing and singing, to prove their worth and ability to provide for the bride.
The next step is the "ngajat," in which the groom and his family perform a series of dances and rituals to honor the ancestors and ask for their blessings. The "ngajat" is an important part of the Iban marriage ceremony as it is believed that the ancestors play a crucial role in the success of the marriage.
After the "ngajat," the actual wedding ceremony takes place. This involves the exchange of vows and the presentation of the bride price to the bride's family. The wedding ceremony is followed by a feast, known as the "tangkap," which is attended by members of both the groom's and the bride's families.
In modern times, many Iban people have adopted more Westernized marriage practices, such as exchanging rings and having a wedding ceremony in a church. However, many Iban people still adhere to traditional marriage practices, such as the exchange of the bride price and the performance of the "ngajat" and other rituals.
Overall, Iban marriage is a complex and elaborate event that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Iban people. It is a celebration of the union of two families and the beginning of a new life together.