How did Iban people of Sarawak identify a protector spirit through dreams?

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totem fish mask — Totemism Totem fish mask from the Orokolo Bay area of New Guinea. Painted bark cloth over rattan frame with fringe of dried grass. Height 1.63 m.

Among the Iban of Sarawak, the identification of a protector spirit, known as an ngarong, occurs through a specific dream-based tradition. An individual dreams of an ancestor or a deceased relative who appears in human form to offer their services as a helper and protector. During this encounter, the spirit identifies a specific animal or object in which they are manifested.1

Following this dream, the individual observes the behavior of that animal species to recognize the embodiment of their protector spirit. Once identified, the person treats the entire species with respect, often offering meals and blood sacrifices to the spirit animal. Some individuals may even carry a physical part of the animal with them.1

To facilitate this experience, young men often seek out solitude, fast, or sleep on the graves of prominent figures in hopes of inducing a dream of a helper spirit. While only a few people successfully obtain such a protector, those who do often pass down the associated taboos and respectful practices to their descendants, who continue to observe these totemistic regulations even if they do not expect direct assistance from the spirit.1