The Structure and Elements of Metaphor in the Invocation Poem of Biau of the Iban People

Abstract

Biau (prayer) is a traditional poem of invocation of the Iban people recited during an offering ceremony or miring to call and request for the blessings of Petara (Gods). This study aimed to identify the structure of language and the elements of metaphors in biau. The qualitative approach, specifically the descriptive exploratory method, was employed to study three pieces of biau, namely Biau Piring Bedara (Sacrifice Offer Prayer), Biau Piring Gawai Tuah (Gawai Tuah Festival Presentation Prayer) and Biau Piring (Presentation Prayer) taken from the book Sampi Enggau Biau. The retrieved data were analyzed using open and substantive codings. The study showed that initial invocations, salutations and self-declaration were among the structures used to introduce biau. The structures within the poem's body part include the sense of purpose, calling, offering (piring) and commanding. The biau is ended with prayers for blessings. Of such, elements that form the metaphors in the biau structure consist of flora and fauna, non-living things and nature, which are closely adapted to the life of the Iban community. This study helps preserve the culture, customs and traditions among the Iban community in Sarawak. The younger generation, including the ritual practitioners, will be able to increase their knowledge and sharpen their existing skills in reciting such traditional poems.