BOAT-SHAPED COFFIN DALAM GUA KAIN HITAM (PAINTED CAVE) NIAH, SARAWAK

Artikel ini membincangkan artifak boat-shaped coffin atau keranda berbentuk perahu yang terdapat di dalam Gua Kain Hitam (Painted Cave) Niah, Sarawak. Artifak berbentuk perahu ini dipercayai digunakan sebagai keranda pada suatu ketika dahulu. Keranda ini dipercayai dihasilkan oleh masyarakat neolitik yang menghuni sekitar Gua Kain Hitam pada ketika itu. Upacara kematian yang diamalkan ini bersifat primary burial. Mayat disimpan di dalam keranda perahu sehingga reput sepenuhnya. Kemudian, baki tulang tersebut ditanam di tapak pengebumian lain yang terletak di Gua Kain Hitam II. Penyelidikan ini menekankan kaedah pemerhatian secara langsung di lapangan. Subjek penyelidikan difoto dan direkodkan secara terperinci melalui fotografi dan buku lakaran. Hasil penyelidikan ini menjelaskan reka bentuk dan fungsi serta kegunaan boat-shaped coffin pada suatu ketika dahulu. Hasil analisis kandungan terhadap hubung kait keranda dan lukisan gua prasejarah yang ditemui menunjukkan ruangan Gua Kain Hitam berfungsi sebagai death chamber. Justeru, penyelidikan ini dapat mendokumentasi dan memelihara artifak secara kolektif untuk tatapan masyarakat akan datang.   This article discusses on boat-shaped coffin artefacts found in the Painted Cave of Niah, Sarawak. This boat-shaped artefact is believed have been used as a caoffin in the past. The coffin is believed have been maded by the neolithic people who lived around the Painted Cave at that time. This ritual of death is a primary burial. The body was stored in the boat’s coffin until it was completely decomposed. The remains were then buried at another burial site, located in the Painted Cave II. This research emphasizes the method of direct observation in the field. The research subjects were photographed and recorded in detail through photography and sketches. The results of this research explain the design and function and use of boat-shaped coffins in the past. The results of the analysis from the contents of the coffin linkages and prehistoric cave drawings found that the Painted Cave spaces served as a death chamber. As such, this research can document and conserve artefacts collectively for the public to see.