A reinterpretation of Sarawak history, "Power and Prowess" explores the network of power, economic and ritual relationships that developed on the northwest coast of Borneo in the mid-19th century, from which a coalition led by James Brooke established the state of Sarawak. Where many authors placed Brooke in the context of 19th-century British imperialism, this study perceives him in the context of Bornean cultures and political economies. Brooke emerges from the historical record as a "man of prowess", with the author identifying important ritual sources of Brooke's power among Malays, Bidayuh and Ibans, sources which derived from and expressed indigenous cultural traditions about fertility, health and status. Drawing on conceptual frameworks from political science, as well as recent southeast Asian historiography, the book offers a detailed political history of the period and new interpretations of Brooke's career. This study also retrieves from the historical sources previously concealed narratives which reflect the interests, priorities and activities of Sarawak people themselves.
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Dr John Walker is a Lecturer in Politics at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra, Australia. He is the author of numerous articles on the history of Sarawak and also Australia's strategic policy and planning.
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White Rajah, Malay Context,
By Chimonsho (Turtle Island) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Power and Prowess: The Origins of Brooke Kingship in Sarawak (Southeast Asia Publications Series) (Paperback)
The emergence of 19C Sarawak is an oft-told tale, but this account goes farther than others in placing James Brooke's initiatives in proper regional setting. By bringing fresh perspectives to familiar material, Walker restores agency to Borneo's rulers and people, who fostered their own agendas in allying with British maritime power. He highlights the symbolic and ritual dimensions of the alliances, showing how Brooke's perceived prowess (martial and physical) was incorporated into local modes of exercising authority. This framework does not apply as well to his decidedly less intrepid descendants, so "P&P" supplements standard works by Irwin, Pringle and Runciman instead of supplanting them. Nevertheless, this strong interdisciplinary work advances understanding of the history and culture of Southeast Asia along with British imperialism.
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