Urban Transformations and Social Change in Iban Handicrafts: Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Identity

Abstract

This article explores the ways in which urban transformations reshape the production and meaning of Iban handicrafts in Sarawak, with particular attention to processes of cultural identity and social change. Drawing on qualitative research including field observations and interviews with Iban artisans, the study examines how indigenous knowledge systems are adapted in response to modernization and urban influences. Findings reveal that handicrafts function not only as material artifacts but also as social markers that negotiate identity and collective memory within shifting urban contexts. The discussion highlights the intersections between cultural continuity and change, showing how women artisans and rural communities navigate economic pressures, cultural commodification, and urban demands while maintaining indigenous values. By linking material culture with the dynamics of social transformation, the article demonstrates the role of handicrafts as both products of tradition and instruments of adaptation. This contributes to cultural sociology and social change studies by situating indigenous art practices within broader debates on modernization and identity in Southeast Asia.