The Orang Asli: Origins, identity and classification
The Orang Asli (aborigines) are indigenous to Peninsular Malaysia, and are believed to have occupied the land as early as 25,000 years ago. The early Orang Asli mostly lived in remote communities within specific geographical areas. They identified themselves by their ecological niche—which they called their customary or traditional land—and with which they developed a close affinity. Much of their culture and spirituality was derived from this close association with their environment. In present day Malaysia they are recognized as Bumiputera (‘sons of the soil’).
- Information in the full article includes
- Origins and demographics
- Negritos
- Senoi
- Proto-Malays
