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Definition of some ritual terms used in Adat Iban 1993
(A.J.N. Richards’ 1981 Iban-English Dictionary has been used as a guide in the definitions of these ritual terms)
"Abi Besi" means the first token of cutting a virgin jungle to establish the right of ownership on the land for the first time (panggul berumpang kampung) and secondly it means the first token of cutting of the under-growth on the first day of the beginning of the farming season (panggul bumai temuda). It also means the mutually agreed boundary between two farms. The offence of "Abi Besi" is also committed when an attempt is made to usurp someone's land when his 'panggul' has been established, or to interfere with the mutually agreed boundary.
"Adat Basu Kaki" literally means cleansing of the feet. When a Ketua Masyarakat or Tuai rumah or any elder is invited by a family to sub-divide a padi farm or distribute family heir-looms including padi grains, sacred properties such as charms, sengkenyang it is in accord with customs to provide such a person with genselan in the form of a fowl, a knife for kering semengat and a jar for kurung semengat. It is also customary to provide karung kerubung or sangkar of one panding or alas or money equivalent to RM2 or RM4. In this Adat Iban "Mungkul" is used.
"Anembiak" means a person or group of persons who are subjected to the 'rule' of a Tuai Rumah or Ketua Masyarakat and who generally respect the authority of these community leaders.
"Asi Pana" means balls of black rice placed on a parang and eaten by the chief mourner or any person appointed to perform the task. The period of taking "Asi Pana" depends on the duration of "Tungkun Api" (mourning fire) which lasts for 3 or 5 or 7 nights according to the social standing of the deceased.
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