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The old traditional dwelling of the Melanau people of Sarawak is the "Rumah Tinggi" or "Tall House", a communal three-storey longhouse with solid tree trunks as posts. Security measures include notched steps that can be drawn up at night, and flooring impenetrable to spears. This tall house at the Sarawak Cultural Village is reconstructed from museum records. Sadly, it's a case of "they don't make them like that anymore."

I visited Sarawak with my family some years ago and really enjoyed the cultural diversity of the place (not to mention the beautiful Iban baskets!).

36. Melanau Rumah Tinggi
       KL, 10 Dec 04, 23 x 30.5 cm

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