The Dayak or Dyak are native people of Borneo. 'Dayak' is a loose term for over 200 riverine and hill-dwelling ethnic subgroups; located principally in the interior of Borneo; each with its own dialect; customs; laws; territory and culture; although common distinguishing traits are readily identifiable.

Dayak languages are categorised as part of the Austronesian languages in Asia. The Dayak were animist in belief; however many converted to Christianity; and some embraced Islam more recently. Estimates for the Dayak population range from 2 to 4 million.

Sarawak was established as a state in northwestern Borneo by Sir James Brooke in 1842 when he obtained independent kingdom status from the Sultanate of Brunei as a reward for helping fight piracy and insurgency.

In 1888; Charles Anthony Johnson Brooke; the successor of James Brooke; accepted a British Protectorate; which it remained until 1946; when the third ruler Charles Vyner Brooke ceded his rights to the United Kingdom. Since 1963; Sarawak has been a state of Malaysia. Pictures From History