The Harvest Dusk

Wow. It's that time of the year already.

Okay, maybe it's nothing for some of you guys out there, but today and tomorrow (circa 31st May and 1st June) is kinda like a big deal in where I belong. It's the Harvest Festival in Malaysia, specifically in East Malaysia(Sabah & Sarawak) or the Borneo Islands(Kalimantan, Indonesia). As a Sarawakian, hence a Malaysian, the well known Harvest Festival in Sarawak is the Gawai Dayak. Of course, Sabah has Pesta Kaamatan. So it really is a harvest festival there in East Malaysia.

Well, since I'm an Iban myself (while half of me is Chinese...), here's my art specifically for the occasion. An Iban warrior for the festivities.

I have to say, the challenging part is definitely the headgear. In fact, Iban clothing and accessories are pretty varied.

The sketch.

So why did I draw a little older character? Maybe to try something else I guess...

The inking.

I pretty much need to give the inking a little more details and contrast this time, as I want this particular piece to look good even in black and white. Though to be honest, I would really like to fix the eye a little more...

Basic colors

This one I choose some brownish hue to the art. Pretty tribal colors, especially for the Ibans. In fact, their traditional clothing is mostly brownish with additional warm colors. But then, so does most of the ethnic groups in Sabah and Sarawak.

Details

I have to say, these color choices are just a fraction of what the headgear looks like. But, I don't wanna oversaturate stuff.

Added some background.

Yeah, the evening sky.... or early morning??? I dunno :)

Finally some, little adjustments and composition.

Oh! About the Iban people....

They used to be fierce warriors. They are also good at sea faring, thus they were also called the 'Sea Dayak' by foreigners. Perhaps they are infamous for their headhunting practices during their military campaign a long time ago. Now, the Iban people is the most populated in Sarawak and West Kalimantan, and headhunting practice has since died out. Nowadays, most Iban's are urbanized and lived with the latest trend around. Even their longhouses has electricity and modern supply. Most of the Iban culture is celebrated by the Ngajat (dance in Iban) which is kinda like a warrior dance, fully equipped with the sword and shield and all.

For me personally....

I'm stuck here in Peninsula Malaysia T_T....

But I do remember my Gawai Dayak celebration some time ago. The Iban's are...... heavy drinkers! (unfortunately, I don't drink heavy stuff that much... I'm kinda like a straight edge.... yes, I don't smoke either!). Their rice wine is also one of the most famous drink for the celebration. Jeepers Creepers!

And don't freak out on me or something. My family don't have skeleton head as trophies in their house alright!!! >:(

Anyways, Happy Harvest Festival! Enjoy the festivities!