Background

The Tun Jugah Foundation, with its headquarters in Kuching, has been given approval by the Sarawak Government in May 1997, to manage Fort Sylvia and to set up a museum at the fort itself. Fort Sylvia, built in 1880, has been declared as a historical monument.

Mission Statement

  • To preserve and to promote Kapit's rich cultural heritage,
  • To give an insight into the history of Kapit and the Fort,
  • To inform the public of the contributions of local leaders and individuals,
  • To enhance the tourism attractions of Kapit,
  • To provide a resource and training centre for craftsmen, weavers, and artists in the Kapit District, and
  • To provide facilities for seminars and workshops, oral research recordings, and official functions.

Ranee Sylvia, Sani and Anchang

History

This section depicts the history of Kapit, history of Fort Sylvia, and the colonial days. The exhibits include photographs and copies of documents relating to the section. Some of the photographs on display are the 1924 Peace-Making ceremony; a group photograph of Sir Vyner Brooke together with Ranee Sylvia, Temenggong Koh and Tedong ak Barieng; a photograph of Domingo de Rozario; a group photograph taken outside Fort Sylvia; and a photograph of Temenggong Koh, Malcolm MacDonald and Penghulu Jugah.

Community Wall of Fame

This wall of fame is a display of the photographs of community leaders or famous historical figures of various community groups - Iban, Orang Ulu, Malays and Chinese. Among the Iban leaders are Tun Jugah ak Barieng, Temenggong Koh ak Jubang, Temenggong Sibat ak Buyong, and Temenggong Jinggut ak Attan. Among the Chinese community are Kapitan Ah Wai, Tan Guan Hock and Tan Sit Leong. Among the Orang Ulu are Penghulu Hang Nyipa, Penghulu Puso Abun and Matu Puso. Malay leaders include Radin Yusop bin Radin Salleh. Datuk Abang Abdul Gapor bin Abang Tek, Datu Abang Ahmad bin Datu Abang Abdul Gapor, and Datuk Abang Indih bin Datu Abang Gapor.

Tun Jugah Gallery

This gallery displays photographs and mementos of the late Tun Jugah ak Barieng. Among the mementos are uniforms, medals, sword, and other personal possessions of the late Tun Jugah. To complement the gallery, there are other exhibits like plates and ceramics, jars, and canons. A bronze bust of Tun Jugah is also displayed on the first floor.

Iban Costumes and Textiles

A selection of pua’ kumbu’ pieces, in silk and cotton are on display here. Among the pieces is a silk piece entitled `Kara’ jangkit’ woven by an accomplished weaver, Gading ak Mayau from Sungai Kain, Kapit.

Mural Painting of the Iban World

The largest exhibit in the Museum is a mural painting, depicting the Iban way of life. The largest exhibit in the Museum is a mural painting, depicting the Iban way of life.

Hall of Fame

To show the past contributions of the community and other people who has served and are still serving in Kapit Division, the museum has put up four pieces of brass plaques listing the names of District Officers, Residents, Community leaders, Penghulus, Sarawak Rangers, First Malaysia Rangers, other Regiments, and Iban Trackers.

Amber Gallery

This gallery is located at the ground floor of the building. This gallery is a joint effort of the Tun Jugah Foundation and the Geological Survey Department in Kuching. The exhibits comprise of raw Sarawak amber, polished Sarawak amber, and amber carvings. The raw amber is supplied by Global Minerals Sdn. Bhd., obtained from the Merit Pila Coal mine near Kapit and were selected by the Geological Survey group. The polished amber pieces were done by Mr. James Loh, from the Geological Survey department. The amber carvings were done by Mr. Kojan Kabeng, a local carver and artist from Punan Bah. One of the world’s largest amber deposits was discovered recently in the Merit-Pila Coal Field along the Batang Rejang.The amber is derived from fossilized resin. Based on geological evidence, the age of the amber is estimated to be Miocene (approximately 20 million years old).
Many fossilized insects were observed in Sarawak amber, trapped approximately 20 million years ago when the resin was initially accumulated and perfectly preserved to this day. So far, the insects found in amber were spiders, ants, mosquitoes, centipedes, wasps and beetles. The colours of amber vary from black to whitish and sometimes with shades of orange, red, yellow and brown. They can be either opaque or transparent. Many fossilized insects were observed in Sarawak amber, trapped approximately 20 million years ago when the resin was initially accumulated and perfectly preserved to this day.

Museum Facilities

Weaving / Handicraft Workshop
Weaving / Handicraft Workshop Kojan Kabeng carving amber One of the objectives of the Tun Jugah Foundation is to preserve and promote the development of the indigenous ikat weaving of the Iban. Right behind the Reception on the Ground Floor is the ruai where weaving tools and implements; and raw materials for making pua kumbu are on display. Opportunities are given to organizations like Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak in Kapit who wish to conduct weaving workshops, exhibitions and competitions. A number of weavers from Kapit are affiliated to the Tun Jugah Foundation. Another corner is allocated for those who wish to conduct other handicraft workshops like bead-work, basketry and carving.
Conference Room
One of the services provided by the museum is a workshop and conference facilities for conducting scholarly discourse on arts and culture. The conference room can accommodate about thirty people.
Discussion / Function Room
On the first floor, there is an adjoining Discussion and Function Room, which can by used for receiving important officials and Academics, and at the same time provide a venue for discussion and meetings.
Oral Research Recordings
One of the objectives of the Tun Jugah Foundation is to collect, transcribe and publish Iban oral literature. Here, at the museum, the Ranee Suite will be used as a venue for recording of oral research.
Reader’s Corner
A reader’s corner located at the first floor is catered for visitors. A small selection of books on the Brookes, Sarawak history, crafts, books written in Iban, oral literature and other publications are provided as reading materials. Among these are books published by the Tun Jugah Foundation.
The Craft Shop
A craft shop, Sylvia Souvenirs, is located on the Ground Floor. Things sold at the shop are books published by the Foundation and souvenir items.
Tourism Centre
The Museum also plays a role as an information centre for Kapit.
Kojan Kabeng carving amber

Kojan Kabeng carving amber

Ranee Suite

Ranee Suite

Opening Hours:

  • Tuesday to Sunday 10 - 12 noon & 2 - 5 pm
  • Closed on Monday and Public Holidays