Who are the Melanaus ?

..... The Melanaus are most probably Sarawak's oldest inhabitants and are possibly too, the country's original settlers.     ( Clayre,1971:20)


"In personal appearance, the men of the Melanaus have much resemblance to the other races. The women however enjoy the population of being far more beautiful than those of the other tribes. (H.Ling,Roth,1968:55)


'The Milanaus are quiet people,  but dressing like the Malays and cultivation sago. They are very fair, some of the girls quite as white as Europeans; hair black and straight.' (Ibid,1968:12)


Source: Amalan Perubatan Kampung Masyarakat Melanau di Kampung Tellian Ulu, Mukah by Ismail Bin Mawi 2001, UM.