The Batek: The eldest of Malaysia’s Orang Asli
The Batek, an Australo-Papuan people, are a remnant of the very first wave of human migrants to leave Africa, arriving tens of thousands of years ago — a distinct, indigenous ethnicity from the majority Malay. They live as hunter-gatherers, beneficiaries of Malaysia’s rainforests.
About 1,500 Batek, an Orang Asli society (Malay for “Original People”), live in the forests of Peninsular Malaysia, many in the Taman Negara National Park and surrounding areas. The total number of Orang Asli number at around 198,000 (2020). Despite their small number, the Orang Asli are not homogenous. Each group has its own language, culture, and traditions. Yet as urbanization intensifies, it pits traditional and modern lifestyles against each other. Many Orang Asli have now left their ancient tribal heartlands to live and work in urban areas.
In this exhibit you will see:
- Recent photography taken with the Batek’s permission.
- The Batek in pop-culture.
- The Batek in folklore, tales, or legends.
- The Batek in local historical accounts.
- Artifacts used and/or crafted by the Batek.
This exhibit is awaiting to be produced specifically for an interested individual/institution like yourself! Express interest in this exhibit and have it ready for display a year from today.
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