Adat and the longhouse community
Artist's impression of a traditional headman's court in the early 20th century.
The various non-Muslim native groups of Sarawak—collectively known as Dayak—each have their own customary laws or adat. Adat is the foundation for their community solidarity, survival and continuity. Adat refers to a wide range of native customs and also comprises accepted codes of conduct, manners and conventions by which Dayak society is ordered. It is enforceable in courts of law, and is administered by the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Native Courts of Sarawak.
- Information in the full article includes
- Adat as the basis of longhouse
- The future of adat