We were watching from a small canoe in the midst of these wildly decorated boats as they enthusiastically competed for the honors. Full feathered and tattooed warriors, thumping gongs, and dancers found a place amidst the profusion of banners, of painted motifs and huts, and even a make believe waterfall. These boats, with their hornbill motif, representing the spiritual life, are believed to ferry the souls of the departed ancestors to heaven. Competitors came from regencies in Central Kalimantan.
