The acquisition of wealth and the production of consistently good rice crops are the main criteria of success. To return with valuable items is the object of the trip, and his numerous tattoos testify to a man's travels. Iban women do not travel, and their lack of contact with the outside world has made them and their craft styles more conservative. Women are not, however, of a lower status. While the two principal offices in the longhouse are limited to men, the rights of men and women are equal in matters of property and inheritance.
Iban religion revolves around augury, omens, and rice.
There are a great number of gods and spirits, with Petara, who some see as borrowed from the Hindu, at the top. Ancestor worship is important, but the assurance of a good rice crop is the principal function of the religion. Rice is believed to have a soul, and it must be treated respectfully and propitiated in order to provide a good yield. In a number of areas, Christianity has been adopted in addition to, rather than in place of, the old faith. It is viewed as another method of bringing good luck.