Papan Turai: Its Social, Communal and Spiritual Significance in Iban Society

This paper explores the social, community, and spiritual significance of the Papan Turai Gawai Batu within contemporary Iban society, as part of an application for UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme. Papan Turai is recognized as both a tangible and intangible cultural heritage, symbolizing Iban identity through its sacred inscriptions and ritualistic role in the Gawai Batu festival, which is integral to rice cultivation. Utilizing a conceptual framework, the study elucidates the interplay between social organization, community dynamics, and spiritual beliefs surrounding Papan Turai. It examines the Papan Turai’s role in the Iban longhouse system, highlighting its influence on socio-economic activities and the leadership function of the Lemambang, who employs the board as a teaching tool for esoteric knowledge. The research demonstrates that despite shifts away from traditional practices, Papan Turai remains a vital emblem of Iban cultural heritage, fostering a sense of community and continuity among its people.