The women's costumes are absolutely amazing!
Robicca and Madeleine: The silver belts are made of real coins and are very heavy.
The dresses are made of hand bead work, silver, and yarn balls.
The beadwork is NOT sewn to fabric, it is just beadwork. It is intricate and very beautiful.
A dress with great detail in every aspect. These are walking, breathing, works of art!
Isn't this little girl exquisite? A handmade costume for her.
The headpieces are intricate and heavy also. A young man was fixing her hair.
Mena: Each dress was individual.
Amie: A long-time member, at least 6 years! She has been to the temple.
Elizabeth: A piano student, a very beautiful girl, and about as big around as a 6 year old!
The coin belts were fabulous.
Madeleine: the only member in her family.
Each one modeled for the crowd.
... waiting her turn as she patiently held up her head dress.
The show rivaled any Miss America showing! The girl at the far right, Katini, baptized 1 week. She speaks English and helps me understand Malay. She lives far out of the city on a palm oil plantation. Her father makes the equivalent of $10 a day.
Dad and I did not know what to expect, but I put on a native "sarong." (Held up by a number of safety pins!)
Dad put on his "traditional" costume, too! He did wear his tropical tie!
When we arrived, native music was being played. This is Nyaring, a convert of a few months.
Tima and Lena. Tima, baptized in February; Lena, baptized one week!
Very, very rhythmic...
All the instruments were very authentic.
Please strike that one more time for Dad!
An Iban "tradition" -- a man grows one or two fingernails very long.
Katini's father, Fondi. A wonderful new member. Dad baptized him.
The men also danced... with absolutely no coaxing!
Norlia -- she is from the Kayan tribe in Sabah, so her dress was different. She is a fantastic woman.
Mena: This party lasted from 7:00 pm to 1:00 pm! There was food, games, prizes, cake. Everyone came and stayed. It was wonderful!
