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The Penans Of Batu Bungan


The Penans Of Batu Bungan
Photo Information
Copyright: Rabani HMA (rabani) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1322 W: 1 N: 3152] (9103)
Genre: People
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-06-26
Categories: Daily Life
Camera: Canon EOS 300D, Canon 17-85mm F\4-5.6 IS USM
Exposure: f/5.0, 1/100 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2005-07-24 23:46
Viewed: 1527
Points: 24
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
By the river of Melinau, of Gunung Mulu National Park, is a small settlement of Penan, one of the endangered ethnic tribes of the World. The Penan, one of the indigenous tribes of Sarawak, is believed to have a small population of about 30,000.

Previously, beside forest bgatherers, they made life hunting games and worked the river. They are quiet, humble but friendly people.

Batu Bungan is a riverine 50m rocky cliff just after this settlement. Batu is malay for rock whilst, Bungan was the name of a folkloric princess. It is said, a long time ago, there was a Penan Princess.

Against her father wishes, she ran into the forest with her lover, one of the King's tribal warriors. While the princess and her love laid hidden within the crags and crannies of the cliff, her father's army combed the kingdom for her and her lover's head.

After days in hiding, thirst and hunger besieged them. The warrior went out of hiding looking for food but was caught and tortured.

He died but the King, only has his blood. While she laid waiting, she didn't know the fate of her lover.After days of waiting in hunger and exasperation,thinking that her lover had lost his way back to their sanctuary, she made a bamboo flute.

But to no avail.
The few villagers that had heard and follow the sad song in the wind, found her dead body amongst the rock of Batu Bungan.
gaby, huckool, nwoehnl, fooeleen, sarju, kajspice has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Rabani,

It's Yee here long time no see how's things with you? Nice shot...I'm surprised they have ABC dry powder hanging outside...

YEE

Interesting shot, Rabani. The woman on the right seems to be looking in vain down the deserted boardwalk for customers to appear. I would have perhaps tried cropping off the little girl on the left (who seems slightly out of focus anyway) so that none of them in frame were looking at the camera - thus adding to the sense that nobody (including the photographer) is taking any interest in them. I've done a quick workshop - see what you think. Cheers . . . David

  • Great 
  • jhm Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 12347 W: 246 N: 16233] (64892)
  • [2005-07-25 1:58]

Hi Rabani,
Excellent daily life picture, very nice capture, the children its very calm and looking to camera. Good perspective and very depth. Very interesting note too.
Best regards,
John.

  • Great 
  • kclai Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 744 W: 38 N: 506] (2259)
  • [2005-07-25 4:15]

Hi Rabani
You got a very interesting and sad notes about the legend. Very mysthical.
The composition of your pic is good, having the whole family gather and minding their goods for sales.
The children are innocently captured but sad to see that they are still lacking behind in many ways.
The government have improved the safety of the settlement (the fire extinguisher) but I think the government should emphasis more on their well being, especially the children.
Eric Lai

Hi Rabani
Nice shot and interesting notes as always. I like the converging lines of the buildings leading into the distance and adding to the empty feeling of the shot. It looks tough to make a living with not many customers.

  • Great 
  • gaby Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1574 W: 48 N: 1587] (19023)
  • [2005-07-25 6:00]

Hi Rabani, I like a lot this great perspective - a wonderful shot -
TE is very dense and I had never seen your photos - congratulations, your gallery is splendid - great job and bravo for your human feelings (sorry for my bad english)
Have a nice week
Thanks
Gaby

Hi Bani. A beautiful photo of these humble-looking people, with an interesting display of the handicraft and a charming quality provided by the two toddlers in the foreground. The deep perspective along the building is well used for your composition. Great notes as usual.

Too bad (IMO) the first kid is off the DOF, but this is a very nice composition in which the perspective serves a purpose in introducing them and their wares to us, while showing us where they dwell. A bit sad, seems they live relocated in habitations having little to do with their traditonal long houses. maybe i am mistaking, but i do feel a certain desolation.
Thanks for the tale of the legend in your note.

If I were to fly to East Malaysia for a photography trip, can you be my host and tourguide? Ha ha..
As for the pic, the two kids leaning against the wall is really 'cool'. Thumbs up!

i've been there, Rabani and the memories still touched me deeply. despite their hardship, the Penans are so helpful and friendly...especially the children. i enjoyed reading your note too, it's interesting and sad. very nice journalistic photo showing the life of the Penans. my heart is with them because i know about their struggle to survive and to fight for their stand against illegal logging and their own extinct. thanks for this Rabani.

  • Great 
  • Luan Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2009 W: 246 N: 1894] (15871)
  • [2005-08-28 22:18]

Hello Rabani,
I live for Perou today, this the last picture I will comment for a while ;o)...it is a very good one, i like this human perspective and the way the kid was lokking at thi other one. Excellent DoF aldso...
Very nice shot.
Cheers
Luan

PS : thanks for your kind words on my pictures.

  • Great 
  • sarju Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1139 W: 52 N: 1278] (5296)
  • [2005-08-28 23:11]

Hi Rabani
its a pleasure to go through your gallery ... i am really out of words for the praise of your photography skills ...
About this photo it is the composition and the depth of view that I liked the most
thanks for sharing ... sarju

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