The troupe, from Kampung Sembang in Ulu Padawan will be joined by Iban and the Orang Ulu cultural troupes, a Bidayuh wood-carver, pua kumbu makers and Orang Ulu bead makers.

The ring ladies, comprising Peluk anak Abeh, Tawud anak Luhan and Singai anak Nekan, are believed to be probably the last Bidayuh women to wear the ruyang and rasung, coiled copper rings around their forearms and calves, from as young as 10.

Kampung Semban, seated on a hilltop of 310m elevation in the Bungo Range about 40km from Kuching, is home to the Semban, a sub-tribe of the Bidayuhs.

The three women will be accompanied by singer and musician Mat Titeng in performing Bidayuh traditional dances and costumes at the concert. The festival will be held from May 25 to June 13.

Mat, a teacher by profession, said he will sing folk songs and play the popular Bidayuh bamboo musical instrument ‘pretong’ at the concert.

“While there (Milan) we will also be participating in the other activities arranged by the organiser including the craft bazaar and workshops where we will be showcasing our skills in the making of brass rings,” said Mat.

On Friday night, the group members were feted to dinner by the Dayak Bidayuh Natuonal Association and were presented with the full set of Bidayuh costumes and pocket money by the association’s deputy president Boniface Anat Litis.

Mat said this would be their first performance outside the country after performing twice in Kuala Lumpur during the festivals.

The festival in Milan, which gathers cultural troupes and performers from all over the world, was created to give a firsthand account of people who daily live through their culture and share it with others, to erase the stereotypes that often do not reflect reality, through the movement of the dances, prayers, spirituality of each of these people and ethnic groups.

– BERNAMA