American collector returns historical artefacts

KUCHING: A larger collection of Sarawak artefacts is set to find its way back home to the state.

This is thanks to the efforts of 82-year-old collector, Dr. David McLanahan, who has decided to repatriate those artefacts he collected during his travels to Sarawak since the 1980s.

Kept safely in a display cabinet for more than 20 years in Dr. David’s house in Seattle, Washington, three artefacts, namely the Orang Ulu beaded ear ornament, Iban beaded sword dangle, and Bidayuh chief’s necklace, have now been handed over to the Sarawak Museum Department in a simple ceremony today (Dec 1).

“I got an amazing collection of artworks from Borneo, primarily from Sarawak. I have been collecting since I first came to Borneo in 1987. There are hundreds of artefacts, and I can say 20 per cent of them have animal parts.

“So, I think it is better to repatriate the artefacts to where they came from,” he told reporters after the launching of the Atelier – Asean Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA) Forum: Crafting The Next Generation at the Old Court House here today (Dec 1).

The adventurous traveller, who has been to Sarawak more than 20 times, added that his intention to return the artefacts is based on his own accord and not being instructed by anyone from the state.

“Some of these three artefacts are the best examples in the world that I have seen, and some of them are published in books.

“I want them to be in a rightful place where their history and significance can be fully appreciated by the public. I’m not some collector who ‘closes it’ (artefacts),” he said.

On how he managed to acquire the three said artefacts, Dr. David said that during his travels to Sarawak, he managed to build connections with the locals and bought the artefacts from dealers and collectors.

“I don’t really know the exact age of the three artefacts. But according to the dealers, with some estimations suggesting around 75 years, while others said it is within the last century.

“So, I believe the experts from the museum here could get a better idea of how old they are based on the parts of the artefacts,” he said.

While Dr. David managed to personally transport the artefacts on the airplane, he said representatives from Sarawak are always welcome to fly to the United States to see the items in person at his house and decide on which collections they wish to bring back to the state.

“I expect to donate 20 or 30 more pieces of the collection and hope to see them on display at the Borneo Cultures Museum here,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Museum Department deputy director Dayang Morzanah Awang Haddy thanked Dr. David for not selling the artefacts but deciding to hand them back to Sarawak.

“Following the presence of our Borneo Cultures Museum, there is confidence from them (collectors) to return those artefacts.

“This very much supports the Sarawak government’s commitment to preserving the artefacts and protecting our cultural heritage,” she said.

She added that when those artefacts are displayed at the Borneo Cultures Museum, people can learn and understand their origin.

Among those present were Iban Women Charitable Trust (IWCT) Sarawak chairperson Tan Sri Empiang Jabu; Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng; and AHPADA Malaysia president Edric Ong.

Earlier, on Thursday, the Sarawak Museum Department had also received donations of 41 items from various sources, including a 100-year-old Iban pua kumbu (a ceremonial, warp-patterned, multi-coloured cotton cloth woven by Iban women).