Semang
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| Total population | |
|---|---|
| c. 4596 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Malaysia |
4296 |
 Thailand |
300 |
| Languages | |
| Batek, Lanoh, Jahai, Mendriq, Mintil, Kensiu, Kintaq, Ten'edn, Malay | |
| Religion | |
| Animism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Australoids (especially Negritos), Orang Asli | |
The Semang are a Negrito ethnic group of the Malay Peninsula. They are found in Perak, Kedah and Pahang of Malaysia.[1] During the colonial British administration, Orang Asli living in the northern Malay Peninsula were classified as Sakai.[2] Lowland Semang tribes are also known as Sakai, although this term is considered to be derogatory by the Semang people.[3] They have been recorded to have lived here since before the 3rd century. They are ethnologically described as nomadic hunter-gatherers. See also Bajaus and Aetas.[4]
Semang Ethnic Groups[edit]
Orang Asli ethnic groups that are classified as "Semang" by the Malaysian government.
Culture[edit]
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This section does not cite any references (sources). (September 2015) |
The Semangs live in caves or leaf-shelters that form between branches. A loincloth for the men, made of tree bark hammered out with a wooden mallet from the bark of the terap, a species of wild bread-fruit tree, and a short skirt of the same for the women, is the only dress worn; some go naked.[citation needed]
Scarification is practised. The finely serrated edge of a sugarcane leaf is drawn across the skin, then charcoal powder rubbed into the cut.[citation needed]
They have bamboo musical instruments, a kind of jaw harp, and a nose flute. On festive occasions, there is song and dance, both sexes decorating themselves with leaves.[citation needed]
The Semang bury their dead simply,[clarification needed] and place food and drink in the grave.[citation needed]
They have used Capnomancy (divination by smoke) to determine whether a camp is safe for the night.[citation needed]
In 1906 the Thai King Chulalongkorn adopted a Semang orphan boy named Khanung.[5]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Nik Hassan Shuhaimi Nik Abdul Rahman (1998). The Encyclopedia of Malaysia: Early History, Volume 4. Archipelago Press. ISBN 9-8130-1842-9.
- ^ Ooi Keat Gin (2009). Historical Dictionary of Malaysia. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 0-8108-6305-7.
- ^ Hajek, John (June 1996). "Unraveling Lowland Semang". Oceanic Linguistics 35 (1): 138–141. doi:10.2307/3623034. JSTOR 3623034.
- ^ Fix, Alan G. (June 1995). "Malayan Paleosociology: Implications for Patterns of Genetic Variation among the Orang Asli". American Anthropologist, New Series 97 (2): 313–323. doi:10.1525/aa.1995.97.2.02a00090. JSTOR 681964.
- ^ Woodhouse, Leslie (Spring 2012). "Concubines with Cameras: Royal Siamese Consorts Picturing Femininity and Ethnic Difference in Early 20th Century Siam". Women’s Camera Work: Asia 2 (2). Retrieved 8 July 2015.
Further reading[edit]
- Bernatzik, H. A., & Ivanoff, J. (2005). Moken and Semang: 1936-2004, persistence and change. Bangkok: White Lotus. ISBN 974-480-082-8
- Gomes, A. G. (1982). Ecological adaptation and population change: Semang foragers and Temuan horticulturists in West Malaysia. Honolulu, Hawaii (1777 East-West Rd., Honolulu 96848): East-West Environment and Policy Institute.
- Human Relations Area Files, inc. (1976). Semang. [Ann Arbor, Mich: University Microfilms.
- Mirante, Edith (2014) "The Wind in the Bamboo: Journeys in Search of Asia's 'Negrito' Indigenous Peoples" Bangkok, Orchid Press.
- Rambo, A. T. (1985). Primitive polluters: Semang impact on the Malaysian tropical rain forest ecosystem. Ann Arbor, Mich: Museum of Anthropology, University of Michigan. ISBN 0-915703-04-1
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