Belanai
There are three types of jars used by kelabit of old to ferment ‘burak’. The biggest (L)was the ‘belanai’ followed by the medium(M)’pelayung’ and the smallest (S) being the ‘angei’. During Irau feast functions the hosts usually prepare ‘burak’ in terms of ‘belanai’ on account of numerous guests. During Longhouse sized functions eg work party to build a weir often called ‘ngirupen’(small party) the host family usually prepares a ‘pelayung’ of burak. A person hosting friends or relations travelling through ( amey ngerang) may serve a small jar ‘angei’ of burak beside the usual hospitality of a meal.
Irau usually involves invited guests coming from outside the village longhouse. For longhouse sized functions usually called ‘ngirupen’.
In those days usage of the term ‘Irau’ was not as commonly used as today. The functions were usually called ‘burak’ eg. Nih kamih miney lem ‘burak’ lua (ngelua anak-child dedication and naming)Tama Terang ideh dengeruyung. Seh subang lat ngen kukeh. - Dato Balangalibun
Translations
- Kelabit - English
- belanai - earthenware jar
- Kelabit - Bahasa Malaysia
- belanai - ?
Alternative Spelling
- balanai
