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performance theory can help us understand how the fan is used to symbolize the eruption and
resolution of crisis and its connection to the spiritual world. Performance theory in anthropology
examines the idea that cultural practices, rituals, and ceremonies are performative acts. It
emphasizes how these performances convey meaning, create social bonds, and address social
or individual crises. In the context of Dayung Borih, the performance theory can be applied to
understand how the ritual serves as a medium to express and resolve various forms of crisis.
Hence, Dayung Borih is a complex ritual performance within Iban culture. It involves music,
dance, chanting, and the use of ritual objects, including the fan. The performance itself is a
symbolic representation of Iban cosmology, which encompasses the relationship between the
physical and spiritual worlds. In the context of eruption of crisis, Dayung Borih may be
performed to address various types of crises, both individual and communal. These crises could
include illness, conflicts, or the need for spiritual guidance. During the performance, the
eruption of the crisis may be symbolically represented through the dancers and participants
enacting scenarios or through the use of specific chants and movements that express the
urgency of the situation. In summary, performance theory helps us understand the role of
Dayung Borih as a ritual performance that uses the fan as a symbolic tool to address and resolve
crises, while connecting the participants to the spiritual world. The fan's use is integral to the
enactment of Iban cosmology and the belief in the power of ritual performances to bring about
positive change in the face of crises.

The development and changes in Dayung Borih through Ethological studies of ritual.
Ethological studies of rituals, including the development and changes in Dayung Borih,
offer valuable insights into the cultural and behavioral aspects of this traditional performance.
Ethology, as the scientific study of behavior, can provide a structured framework for
understanding the evolution and adaptation of Dayung Borih within the context of rituals like
the Gawai festival. Evolution of Ritual Behavior by ethological studies examine ritual behaviors,
such as those performed by Dayung Borih, have evolved over time. Researchers can investigate
the historical development of the Gawai festival, tracing the changes in rituals, roles, and
cultural significance. This analysis can reveal how Dayung Borih's role has adapted to meet the
evolving needs and beliefs of the community. Besides that, through cultural Transmission,
Ethological research can explore the mechanisms of cultural transmission that have shaped the
behavior of Dayung Borih. This includes the processes through which knowledge, skills, and
rituals are passed down from one generation to the next. By understanding cultural
transmission, researchers can better comprehend how Dayung Borih's performance has been
preserved and modified. In summary, ethological studies provide a systematic and
interdisciplinary framework for understanding the development and changes in Dayung Borih's
role within the Gawai ritual. By examining the behavior, cultural transmission, symbolism, and
ecological influences of this performance, researchers can gain a deeper appreciation of its
cultural significance and evolution. This knowledge can inform efforts to preserve and celebrate
traditional rituals while acknowledging their dynamic nature.

Women’s empowerment of Dayung Borih in ritual.

Dayung Borih, also known as Dayung Bunting, is a traditional custom of the Iban people,
an indigenous group in Sarawak, Malaysia. Dayung Borih is a ceremony that celebrates the
empowerment of women and is an essential part of the Bidayuh culture. This event is closely
related to the Gawai festival, a harvest festival celebrated by the Dayak community. Dayung
Borih highlights the essential roles of women in Bidayuh society. It acknowledges their
contributions to the community, particularly in terms of nurturing and maintaining the cultural
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