Born and raised in Rumah Gare, a renowned Iban longhouse in Kapit, Sarawak, Helen Manjan anak Atong inherited more than the art of pua kumbu weaving—she inherited the responsibility of preserving one of Borneo’s most treasured cultural traditions. A third-generation weaver, she carries the sacred seven-generation authority to lead the Ngar ceremony, an ancient ritual integral to the creation of authentic pua kumbu.
Before dedicating herself fully to weaving, Helen served her community as a secondary school teacher for many years. Her commitment to education and public service earned her the Long Service Medal (Pingat Perkhidmatan Setia, PPS) in 2006. Upon her retirement, she returned wholeheartedly to her ancestral craft, determined to ensure that Iban weaving traditions would continue to thrive for generations to come.
Helen’s extraordinary artistry soon gained international recognition. In 2019, her weaving and traditional chanting captivated audiences at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, leading the National Museums Scotland to acquire her traditional loom and an unfinished pua kumbu for its permanent collection—a lasting tribute to Sarawak’s living heritage.
In 2024, Helen joined the Maybank Women Eco-Weavers (MWEW) programme through Tanoti. Building on decades of experience, she became part of a movement dedicated to preserving ASEAN weaving heritage while empowering women through sustainable livelihoods. Through MWEW, Helen continues to mentor and inspire fellow women weavers, sharing her knowledge, promoting the use of sustainable natural dyes and demonstrating that traditional craftsmanship can create meaningful economic opportunities without compromising cultural authenticity.
The same year marked another milestone in her remarkable journey. Helen received the Sustainability Gold Award at the Hasanah Gold Threads Awards for her commitment to sustainable weaving practices and was conferred the Member of the Order of the Star of Sarawak (Ahli Bintang Sarawak, ABS) by the Sarawak State Government in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the state’s cultural heritage.
Today, Helen continues to teach through workshops and community initiatives, believing that every piece of cloth carries not only motifs and colours, but also identity, history and hope. Her greatest legacy is not simply the masterpieces she creates, but the women she inspires—women who are preserving their heritage while building more sustainable and economically independent futures through weaving.
Helen Manjan’s story is a testament to the power of heritage in creating opportunity. Through her unwavering dedication, she reminds us that when tradition is preserved, women are empowered, communities are strengthened, and culture continues to flourish for generations to come.
