okir

Okir is a term used to describe a distinctive decorative motif in the traditional art of the indigenous peoples of Borneo, especially among the Dayak communities of Sarawak and Sabah. The word derives from the Malay term ukir, meaning carving, and is applied to a family of motifs characterized by flowing, curvilinear lines, spirals, and interlacing forms that often resemble vines, leaves, and animal shapes.

Okir motifs appear across multiple media, including carved woodwork such as house posts and panels, masks, and weapon shafts; bark cloth and textiles; metalwork; and architectural decoration. They are valued for their aesthetic beauty as well as their symbolic meanings, and they frequently function as markers of identity, status, or lineage within a community.

Symbolically, the curving lines of okir are thought to embody life energy, protection, and connections to ancestors and the natural world. The motifs may convey spiritual beliefs and social meanings, with variations in form and complexity reflecting different sub-ethnic groups and local traditions.

Regional variation exists within the okir repertoire, with differences in line quality, shapes, and the interpretation of motifs among communities. In modern times, okir has been embraced by contemporary artists and designers, incorporated into exhibitions, education, and branding, and is recognized as a prominent element of Borneo’s intangible cultural heritage.