Documentation and Analysis of the Papan Turai Gawai Batu 517

The Papan Turai Gawai Batu 517, collected by Tom Harrisson in 1963, reveal its role as a pivotal artefact illuminating Iban proto-writing traditions intertwined with ancient rites, an intersection of cultural practices and agricultural rituals of Borneo’s pagan heritage. This investigation employs dual analytical frameworks: a pictorial analysis alongside a composition analysis of the artefact itself. Findings indicate that this artefact encapsulates the identity and resilience of the Iban community, affirming its status as an essential piece of documentary heritage vital to Sarawak’s historical evolution. The study emphasizes the urgent need for cultural preservation, advocating for the appreciation of these crucial traditions within a rapidly shifting sociocultural landscape.