Nyiru ~ Sabah Traditional Paddy Winnowing Fan

Round and oval shaped Nyiru

In Sabah, paddy winnowing fan or in malay called 'nyiru', was traditionally used to separate the paddy grain from its chaff.  It was an agricultural method developed by ancient cultures and adopted by paddy farmers all over the world.  Winnowing using 'nyiru' is a simple form that involves throwing the paddy into the air so that the wind blows away the lighter chaff, while the heavier grains stayed in the 'nyiru'.  Winnowing process requires skills and techniques.

 

Winnowing process

The winnowing fan or 'nyiru' is made of bamboo, woven in a different shapes.    The Kimaragang Dusun, an ethnic of Sabah, called the rounded nyiru as Saab and the oval as Rilibu.  Its uses are almost the same, but for Kimaragang Dusun, Saab is used for winnowing newly harvested paddy while Rilibu is used for winnowing paddy that has been pounded or milled.

Different sizes of Nyiru

Nowadays, the modern machines have taken over winnowing process and nyiru are still crafted as one of the Sabah handicrafts.  You can easily find nyiru in handicraft shops or market.  Buy the smaller size nyiru and bring it home as souvenirs or gift to friends and family.