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10. A history of the Kenyah Leppo’ Tau in Kayan Hulu Subdistrict, Apau Kayan Liman Lawai INTRODUCTION The history of the Kenyah Leppo’ Tau can be reconstructed on the basis of local oral traditions in combination with written records produced by officials of the Dutch colonial government, Kenyah leaders (such as Gun Kila), and several foreign researchers (such as H. Whittier). These historical records also make it possible to analyse changes in the social structure through time. It is known that the Kenyah initially lived in the mountainous area between what is now part of the Bahagian Belaga and Bahagian Baram in Sarawak and the Iwan River area in East Kalimantan. It is possible that they were still hunters and gatherers at that time and did not grow crops. Later, in the late 18th century, they moved to the Iwan River area. From there, some of them entered the Pujungan River drainage, others moved to the region of the Buram River, and yet others moved to the Apau Kayan highlands after the area had been abandoned by the Kayan people. The migration of the Kenyah to Apau Kayan seems to have occurred at the beginning of the 19th century. The first group to enter the Apau Kayan area were the Kenya Leppo’ Timai, followed by the Leppo’ Tau and other Kenyah groups. Although many Kenyah groups once lived in the Apau Kayan, which is very difficult to reach, at present many of them have moved out to other areas, primarily in the vicinity of urban areas where access to basic necessities such as salt and clothing is easier. 10 May28.p65 6/11/03, 11:01 AM 175
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