They are sometimes erroneously referred to as the "Sea Dayaks" because of their skill with boats. Although the majority of Iban are nowadays Christian, many traditional rituals are still practiced, including the Gawai Dayak (harvest festival), Gawai Kenyalang (hornbill festival) and Gawai Antu (festival of the dead).

It is from these festivals and the traditional religion that many of the motifs in Iban crafts arise.

The Iban religion is a fusion of animistic and Hindu-Buddhist beliefs, and they worship a triumvirate of gods under the authority of Singalang Burung, the bird-god of war. Iban women are superb weavers, using the backstrap loom, while Iban men are excellent silversmiths, and are famous for their colourful ngajat dance and their majestic and imposing tattoos.

The Iban have a strong tradition of hospitality, and a longhouse visit is an unforgettable experience.