The community of Rumah Gare is home to a long line of anointed master weavers of the fabled pua kumbu. The ‘cover cloth’ of the Iban ethnic group, the pua kumbu have been dream-woven for generations.
30 ladies strong, this remote longhouse of weavers extract leaves, roots and branches from the rainforest in the vicinity of their home, to treat and dye their threads.
Pua kumbu in indigo dye – single colour
Pua kumbu in engkudu (morinda citrifolia) dye and indigo dye – 2 colours)
Pua kumbu in akar penawar landak dye and indigo dye – 2 colours
The pua kumbu weavers of Rumah Gare are globally acknowledged as the single most active community of ikat weavers. Over the years, they have accumulated accolades such as:
BANGIE ANAK EMBOL
Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards (2017/2018)
Outstanding Cottage Industry Contribution to the Tourism Industry
BANGIE ANAK EMBOL
KARAMA DAMPA
Unesco Crafts Prize for Asia/Pacific 1998
Vegetable Dyeing
TERESA SAWIN
World Crafts Council Top Textile Prize 2008
Young Craftsperson
BANGIE ANAK EMBOL
Unesco Seal of Excellence for Crafts (2000/2001)
Craft Category
BANGIE ANAK EMBOL
National Craft Person Awards (2000/2007)
National Craft Artist (adi-Guru)
NANCY ANAK NGALI
World Crafts Council Awards of Excellence for Handicraft (2014)
Pua Kumbu
