Drifting from Kalimantan to Lantau: A Material History of Borneo Ironwood in the Stilt Houses in Tai O, Hong Kong

<p>Traditional settlements and their landscapes are critical subjects in heritage studies, deeply intertwined with modern urbanization. The evolution of historic villages — particularly their material choices — remains a focal point in Architectural Heritage research. This study investigates the Tanka people’s stilt houses in Hong Kong’s Tai O fishing village, employing material culture history methods to trace the 150-year transboundary flow of Borneo ironwood from Kalimantan’s forests to these structures. </p><p></p><p>The study combines document analysis and fieldwork from heritage architecture methods. It examines international timber trade history, Hong Kong shipbuilding development, and Tanka migration records. This approach reveals how Borneo ironwood entered stilt house construction through combined historical forces. The wood's high density, bend resistance, and decay resistance supported its movement across industries. Ships served as both material carriers and cultural bridges for wood distribution and technical knowledge sharing. This research expands understanding of Borneo ironwood's cultural role and adds new perspectives on Hong Kong Tanka water heritage studies.</p>