THE LAST RING LADIES

These traditional ladies with their Ruyank’ng and Rasunk’ng are from Kampung Semban, Ulu Bengoh, Padawan Kuching. They are the living treasure of Sarawak.

Ruyank’ng and Rasunk’ng are the copper coiled rings worn respectively on the forearms and calves which are embody the distinctive culture of the Bi’embhan (a sub-ethnnic of Bidayuh) in Sarawak. The rings are traditionally considered majestic to Bidayuh ladies, who put them on at a very young age. It have become part of the daily dress up which is also symbolizes beauty and nobility. The wearers were not supposed to take off the rings when they did the daily chores. This unique tradition can be traced back to the travelling Chinese traders who brought copper to Borneo.

Their traditional costume Bulang Sebi (headgear), Tumbih (necklaces), Kain Ngumban (red sash), Sisink’ng and Wi (belts), Baju Putang (blouse), and Jemuh Sulam (skirt/sarong) are known as the unique tradition of “Dayung Hmuai Semban”.

Dayung Hmuai Semban / The Last Ring Ladies Street Art

The Last Ring Ladies

There are now only a handful of Bidayuh Ring Ladies left. They are Nyukan Genyai, Peluk Abeh, Tawud Luhan, Nyadi Dolah and Singai Nekan. They range in age from 69 to 94 years of age. In 2010, there were only eight of them. In 2015, only six left. Now, there are only five of them.

The Last Ring Ladies Documentary

You will not want to miss the trailer for Sarawak’s newest documentary, The Last Ring Ladies. Definitely living up to every Sarawakian’s pride, this documentary will reveal never before scenes of the unique and distinct culture of the remaining ring ladies. Premiering only on TVS, Astro Channel 122, 7th November 2020, Saturday, 9:00 PM

Dayung Hmuai Semban

The street art “Dayung Hmuai Semban”, measuring in 13.7m x 36.5m, is the largest street art in Kuching. Local muralist, Leonard Siaw was commissioned to paint the street art. The ideal for the street art came about following the premiere of Sarawakian-made documentary “The Last Ring Ladies” on international broadcasting channel, NHK (Japan), KBS (Korea), and PTS (Taiwan) since August 2019. This documentary also premiered on TVS Sarawak on 4^th November, 2020.