By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 26: Many Sarawakians are familiar with the sape, the traditional stringed instrument of the Orang Ulu that has gained popularity over the years thanks to local artists like Alena Murang and sape master Mathew Ngau Jau.
However, few have heard of the belikan—a similarly captivating instrument with deep roots in Iban culture.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas managed to get a first-hand look at the almost-forgotten three-stringed instrument, which resembles the sape.
The encounter was made possible by Opar assemblyman, Billy Sujang, who brought along two brothers who can craft both the sape and belikan to meet with Uggah at his office at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) building today.
Much to their delight, Uggah, who is also the Second Minister for Finance and New Economy and Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, decided to purchase several units of belikan for his collection. — DayakDaily
