Tong Tana, 2012
Tong Tana captures a view of the Borneo rainforest from the perspective of a semi-nomadic Penan hunter as he traverses rugged jungle terrain – making solitary journeys through traditional hunting grounds with his handmade poison-arrow blowpipe. The work was filmed using a head-mounted camera and binaural microphones worn by the hunter. His journey is experienced as an immersive video installation, with binaural sound. Tong Tana also includes a series of maps made in collaboration with the hunter that plot his route over several days.
Tong Tana comprises 4 sections:
- Into the Forest, 15 mins 15 seconds
- Chase, 21 mins 45 seconds
- Barking Deer, 18 mins 2 seconds
- Wait, 16 mins 34 seconds
Total running time 72 mins
Tong Tana (production still)
Tong Tana (production still)
Tong Tana (production still)
The artist would like to thank The Penan of the Upper Baram River, Sarawak, Borneo for their generosity and hospitality. Tong Tana is supported by Arts Council England. Sound mastered by Craig Vear.