Bronzeware
In the interior of Sarawak, some ancient bronze objects are kept as heirlooms by the Kayan community of Belaga. Among these is a figurine wearing a hornbill headdress, known as Imun Ajo, and turtle-shaped belt toggles.
The most famous early bronzeware found in Malaysia is the decorated Dongson drums, named after the cultural centre of North Vietnam where they originated, and stylistically similar large bells, both believed to have been imported through trade contacts during the late Bronze Age from 600 BCE to 400 CE. Smaller bronzeware, believed to date from the early Bronze Age, include socketed celts which were also thought to be imports until the discovery of a mould for casting raised the possibility of Malaysian manufacture.
- Information in the full article includes
- Dongson drums
- Evidence of trade patterns
- Bells and other bronzeware
- Finds from Sabah and Sarawak