The Dayaks have traditionally produced very fine rattan weaving. The harvesting and preparation of the ruttan are descri-bed. Natural dyes-tarum and rattan seed lake-are used for coloring the fibers. The designs have been influenced by these available materials. Body oil on mats and baskets acts as a preservative providing continuous dressing to the pieces as they are used. The people take great care in repairing split and damaged baskets. The encroachment of civilization has affected the cruft tradition; simpler designs meet current trade demands and the intricate patterns are not being preserved; new cultural artifacts, such as the rice sifter, are being woven as the nomadic people settle into villages. Items from the collection of the Material Culture Unit of the James Cook University of North Queensland, Australia, are examined. -- AATA