LENS
TRAVEL MAGA ZINE THAT CONSIST EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING
LUNDAYEH : THE TALE OF UPRIVER PEOPLE
PENAN : THE TRUE NOMADIC
DAYAK TRIBE Peek inside the life of
CONTENTS Features 03 Peek inside the life of : Dayak Life
sarawak bumi kenyalang 07 Discover the untouched nature : Sarawak Bumi Kenyalang
10 PENAN : The True Nomadic
12 KELABIT : A brief profile : The Kelabit of The Kelabit Highlands
sabah : Negeri di bawah bayu 14 Close with Mothernature : Sabah Negeri Di Bawah Bayu
16 Philipines Market
18 Lundayeh People : The tale of upriver people
20 Kaamatan Festival
2
LENS
TRAVEL MAGA ZINE THAT CONSIST EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING
FrOm THE EdiTOr For the past 13 years we have been focusing on promoting malaysia. we do this though various publications and websites directed at resident expats, people thinking of relocating here (working expats and malaysia my Second Home applicants) as well as tourists and business travellers. we regularly interact with resident expats and malaysians who want to ensure visitors experience the country’s many attractions. This magazine is all about tourism destinations. Our object is to provide tourists with enough information about each of the destinations to decide what they would like to visit and enjoy. However while the magazine covers tourism and property in malaysia this website is strictly on travel. it is will eventually contain hundreds of articles and comments by expats and local experts on what the country has to offer.
LUNDAYEH : THE TALE OF UPRIVER PEOPLE
PENAN : THE TRUE NOMADIC
DAYAK TRIBE Peek inside the life of
we encourage people to contact us with their suggestions of places to visit as well as feedback on the comments contained on our website at http://lensmagazine.com.my. by combining various peoples opinions we hope to provide an accurate picture of what awaits the person wishing to discover the many facets of malaysia. This is where you come in! we’d like you to look around and leave us suggestions of where to visit as well as your feedback on the places you’ve been. was a hotel you stayed at outstanding… or were there cockroaches in the breakfast buffet? did the pool make you smile or the filth make you scream? we want to hear all your opinions. we will read them
Editor In Chief Presilla bunfat, eiceditor@lens.com
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Contributing Writer rafizah r, cwriter@lens.com
all and put the best on the magazine so fellow travellers know where to visit and, perhaps even more importantly, where to avoid!
Contributing Writer adam m, conwrite@lens.com
So, get involved – sign up to subscribe and log on to the website whenever the mood takes you. lens magazines is a venture of The Expat group, which has established itself as the leading media company in malaysia for reaching resident expats, overseas visitors, business travellers and investors. The private sector and the malaysian government frequently seek lENS’s support and input to market the country and the government’s products and services. Our bespoke multi-media marketing packages are tailored to suit each company’s needs and achieve its objectives of reaching a diversified international audience through the following channels: • Publications
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3
A young lady wearing traditional clothes or Dayaks “Maloh�
dayak people T Peek inside the life of
he Dayak or Dyak are the native people of Borneo.It is a loose term for over 200 riverine and hill-dwelling ethnic subgroups, located principally in the interior of
In the past, the Dayak were feared for their ancient tradition of headhunting practices.
Borneo, each with its own dialect, customs, laws, territory and culture, although
common distinguishing traits are readily identifiable. Dayak languages are categorised as part of the Austronesian languages in Asia. The Dayak were animist in belief; however
many converted to Christianity, and some to Islam more recently. Estimates for the Dayak population range from 2 to 4 million. HISTORY The main ethnic groups of Dayaks are the Bakumpai and Dayak Bukit of South Kalimantan, The Ngajus, Baritos, Benuaqs of East Kalimantan, the Kayan and Kenyah groups and
4
Dayak is one of the biggest ethnic in Sarawak .”
their subtribes in Central Borneo and
headhunting legislation by the colonial
particular house, look at the backyard. If
the Ibans, Embaloh (Maloh), Kayan,
powers was passed, the practice was
there are tapioca leaves planted, it means
Kenyah, Penan, Kelabit, Lun Bawang and
banned and appeared to have disap-
there are!
Taman[disambiguation needed] popula-
peared. Headhunting began to surface
tions in the Kapuas and Sarawak regions.
again in the mid-1940s, when the Allied
It’s been a staple for a long time, hearken-
Other populations include the Ahe, Jagoi,
Powers encouraged the practice against
ing back to the days when meat was a
Selakau, Bidayuh, and Kutai.
the Japanese. It also slightly surged in the
luxury and vegetables aplenty. But even
The Dayak people of Borneo possess an
late 90s, when the Dayak started to attack
now, when meat has become the norm,
indigenous account of their history, partly
Madurese emigrants in an explosion of
the humble dawu’ bandung can never be
in writing and partly in common cultural
ethnic violence.
replaced.
FOODS
Among the more popular dishes are stir
customary practices. CULTURE
fried, or stewed with dahang pangan (rice Daun ubi, tapioca leaves or better known
fermented pork), manok pansoh, or made
In the past, the Dayak were feared for
in Dayak as dawu’ bandung, is a plant that
into a soup with canned stew pork.
their ancient tradition of headhunt-
grow in the wild, but has been cultivated
ing practices. After mass conversions
as widely eaten by the Dayaks. They say
to Christianity and Islam, and anti-
if you want to know if a Dayaks lives in a
5
6
The Dayak woman using the accessories handmade.
Discover the untouch nature of
s a r aw a k
Bumi kenyalang
by : siti noor ain b.z
S
Sarawak is one of two
The Dayak people of Borneo possess
Malaysian states on the
an indigenous account of their history,
island of Borneo. Known as
partly in writing and partly in common
Bumi Kenyalang (“Land of the Hornbills”),
cultural customary practices.[citation
Sarawak is situated on the northwest of
needed]In addition, colonial accounts
the island, bordering the Malaysian state
and reports of Dayak activity in Borneo
of Sabah to the northeast, Indonesia to
detail carefully cultivated economic and
the south, and surrounding Brunei. It is
political relationships with other com-
the largest Malaysian state.
munities as well as an ample body of
The administrative capital is Kuching,
research and study considering historical
which has a population of 658,562.
Dayak migrations.[citation needed] In
Major cities and towns include Miri (pop.
particular, the Iban or the Sea Dayak
269,380), Sibu (pop. 209,616) and Bintulu
exploits in the South China Seas are
(pop. 189,695). As of the last census (2010),
documented, owing to their ferocity and
the state population was 2,420,009.
aggressive culture of war against sea
Hornbill or likely to be called “Burung kenyalang” is the symbol of the sarawak state.”
dwelling groups and emerging Western HISTORY
trade interests in the 19th and 20th centuries.[citation needed]
The main ethnic groups of Dayaks
During World War II, the Japanese occu-
are the Bakumpai and Dayak
pied Borneo and treated all of the indig-
Bukit of South Kalimantan, The Ngaju
enous peoples poorly - massacres of the
s, Baritos, Benuaqs of East Kalimantan,
Malay and Dayak peoples were common,
the Kayan andKenyah groups and
especially among the Dayaks of the Kapit
their subtribes in Central Borneo
Division. Following this treatment, the
and the Ibans, Embaloh (Maloh),
Dayaks formed a special force to assist
Kayan, Kenyah, Penan, Kelabit, Lun
the Allied forces. Eleven United States air-
Bawang andTaman[disambiguation
men and a few dozen Australian special
needed] populations in
operatives trained a thousand Dayaks
the Kapuas and Sarawak regions. Other
from the Kapit Division to battle the
populations include the Ahe, Jagoi, Sela
Japanese with guerrilla warfare. This army
kau, Bidayuh, and Kutai.
of tribesmen killed or captured some
7
the “rumah panjang” or commonly known as long-house in sarawak 1,500 Japanese soldiers and were able to
and (in the case of the Tausug group)
Kayan, Kenyah, Penan, Kelabit, Lun
provide the Allies with intelligence vital in
ruling, the northern tip of Borneo for cen-
Bawang andTaman[disambiguation
securing Japanese-held oil fields.
turies, have their origins from the south-
needed] populations in
Coastal populations in Borneo are largely
ern Philippines. These groups are not
the Kapuas and Sarawak regions. Other
Muslim in belief, however these groups
Dayak, but instead are grouped under the
populations include the Ahe, Jagoi, Selak
(Tidung, Bulungan, Paser, Melanau,
separate umbrella term of Moro.
au, Bidayuh, and Kutai.
ETHNIC
CELEBRATION
by the Javanese Majapahit Kingdoms and
The main ethnic groups of Dayaks are
Celebrated mid year on June 1 and 2,
Islamic Malay Sultanates.
the Bakumpai and Dayak Bukit of South
though unofficially the festivities begin
Other groups in coastal areas
Kalimantan, The Ngajus, Baritos, Benua
during the last week of May and continue
of Sabah, Sarawak and north-
qs of East Kalimantan, the Kayan andKe-
through mid-June. Usually, the people of
ern Kalimantan; namely the Illanun, Taus
nyah groups and their subtribes in Central
many longhouses harvest their rice fields
ug, Sama and Bajau, although inhabiting
Borneo and the Ibans, Embaloh (Maloh),
well before the big day and have their
Kadayan, Bakumpai, Bisayah) are generally considered to be Islamized Dayaks, native to Borneo, and heavily influenced
8
own small scale Gawai feast at the end of
At rural dwellings, especially in roadside
their harvests.
villages and remote villages, guests are expected to taste tuak and eat at each
Celebrated by the Dayak, which generally
household. Thus in a 30 door longhouse
refers to the Iban, Bidayuh and the Orang
with a family living behind each door, it
Ulu communities in Sarawak. The elders
means partaking in festivities over and
perform traditional rites, everyone dress-
over again. Music and dancing usually fol-
es in their traditional costumes and there
low to liven up the mood.
is food and drink. Tuak, rice wine, and an array of traditional food are generously
Obviously, Gawai Dayak is the best and
served along the ruai, veranda, and bilik,
the most interesting time to visit Sarawak
room, in every longhouse. Widespread
as you can see and sample the lifestyle
celebrations are held not only in the main
and its festivities. All visitors are warmly
cities and towns but also in the interior
received and accepted as new friends
settlements.
even if they happen to be strangers. It is a
Gawai is the time for prayers of thanksgiving to the spirits and gods of old after a bountiful harvest, to celebrate the end of the paddy season.�
happy time for all concerned.
9
Penan
the true nomadic by : siti noor ain b.z
T
he Penan are a nomadic aboriginal people living in
those of Sarawak’s other indigenous groups.
Sarawak and Brunei, although there is only one small community in Brunei; among those in Brunei half have
Some, typically the younger generations, now cultivate rice and
been converted to Islam, even if only superficially.
garden vegetables but many rely on their diets of sago (starch
Penan are one of the last such peoples remaining as hunters and
from the sago palm), jungle fruits and their prey which usually
gatherers.[2] The Penan are noted for their practice of ‘molong’
include wild boar, barking deer, mouse deer but also snakes (espe-
which means never tak-
cially the Reticulated
ing more than neces-
Python or kemanen),
sary. Most Penan were
monkeys,
nomadic hunter-gather-
frogs, monitor liz-
ers until the post-World
ards,
War II missionaries set-
even insects such as
tled many of the Penan,
locusts. Since they
mainly in the Ulu-Baram
practice
district but also in the
they pose little strain
Limbang district. They
on the forest: they
eat plants, which are
rely on it and it sup-
also used as medicines,
plies them with all
and animals and use the
they need. They are
hides, skin, fur, and other
outstanding hunters
parts for clothing and
and catch their prey
shelter.
birds,
snails
and
‘molong’,
using a ‘kelepud’ or blowpipe, made from the Belian Tree (superb timber) and carved
LIFESTYLE
out with unbelievable accuracy using a bone drill - the wood is not split, as it is elsewhere, so the bore has to be precise almost to the
Penan communities were predominantly nomadic up until the
millimetre, even over a distance of 3 metres. The darts are made
1950s. The period from 1950–present has seen consistent pro-
from the sago palm and tipped with poisonous latex of a tree
grammes by the state government and foreign Christian mis-
(called the Tajem tree) found in the forest which can kill a human
sionaries to settle Penan into longhouse-based villages similar to
in a matter of minutes. Everything that is caught is shared as the
10
The Penan are the only true nomadic people in Sarawak and amongst the last of the world’s hunter-gatherers ”
Penan have a highly tolerant, generous and egalitarian society, so much so that it is said that the nomadic Penan have no word for ‘thank you’ because help is assumed and therefore doesn’t require a ‘thank you’. However, ‘jian kenin’ [meaning ‘feel good’] is typically used in settled communities, as a kind of equivalent to ‘thank you’. Very few Penan live in Brunei any more, and their way of life is changing due to pressures that encourage them to live in permanent settlements and adopt yeararound farming
ARTS AND CRAFT
Blacksmithing is a skill that was learnt and copied from the other neighbouring tribes
The Penan are skilled in traditional handi-
but today, the Penan communities located
craft making and blacksmithing, their
not far from the Kayan and Kenyah settle-
handiwork is highly sought after by other
ments seems to be the sole providers of
ethnic groups in their area and fetch high
tools and traditional iron implements to
prices in the town areas. These traditional
these communities. An example of this
skills have proved invaluable to the Penan
interdependency can be seen through the
because these skills assist them in adapt-
making of ceremonial swords or parang
ing to the modern world. Whereas in the
for the Kayan community.
past the Penan were strictly a hunter gatherer society, the passage of time and the impact of deforestation and modernisation has forced the Penan to adapt and adopt a more materialistic outlook to life.
11
kelabit A Brief Profile: The Kelabit of the Kelabit Highlands
by : siti noor ain b.z
Kelabit tribe one of the smallest ethnic groups in the state of Sarawak.
12
T
he Kelabit at approximately 5000 people, are one of the smallest ethnic groups in the state of Sarawak. Historically, they are a highland community that inhabit the Kelabit Highlands, a highland plateau with an altitude approximately 1000 meters above sea level and situated above the furthest reaches of the navigable rivers of Baram and Limbang Districts of Northeastern Sarawak. Currently there are about 1800 people living in the highlands while most of them now live outside the highlands. They moved out mostly to get further education and to get jobs that suit their qualifications in towns and cities like Miri, Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, Kuala Lumpur and other places overseas. Many are involved in a range of pofessional occupations. The Kelabit in the highands, like many other indigenous communities in Sarawak live in longhouses, although recently many families built single houses scattered around in the vil-
lages. Today, there are 16 villages in the area, which include Pa’Umur, Pa’ Ukat, Pa’ Lungan, (located along the Depbur basin), Long Dano, Pa Dalih, Ramudu (located along Kelapang basin), and Pa Ramapuh Benah, Pa Ramapuh Dita, Pa Derung, Ulung Palang Dita, Ulun Palang Benah, Padang Pasir, Kampung Baru, Arur Layun, Bario Asal and Arur Dalan, in the Merariu river basin. There are 4 other Kelabit settlements located further down the tributaries of the Baram River: Long Peluan, Long Seridan, Long Lellang and Long Napir. Cultural Heritage Even though the Kelabit have gone through a rapid social and economic change within the very short span of 50 years, they have managed to main-
tain certain aspects of their culture which are still unique, particularly their music and dance. A traditional musical instrument is the sape’, a plucked lute instrument.It is carved from tree trunk in an elongated rectangular shape with a homogenous neck extending from one end of the body. Formerly, its three or four strings were made from finely split rattan, but today they are made of wire strings.
single dances. The hornbill dance is performed in imitation of the hornbill bird. Hornbill birds are beautiful, shy and very gracious. Many natives in Sarawak adore them, so try to imitate their movements. The Kelabit, like many other indigenous people in the Borneo Island, do not have a written language. So most of their oral stories, which include legends, myths and other folklore, were passed down orally.
The Kelabit also play the pagang (tube zither), which is made from a length of bamboo tube closed at both ends by its natural bamboo nodes. The strings are finely cut strips from the surface of the bamboo tube itself, which are still attached to the tube at either end. The Kelabit use the sape and pagang music to dance their lovely hornbill and warrior dances, long dances and
13
sabah Close with mothernature
negeri di bawah bayu
“Gunung kinabalu” are The highest mountain in asia.
S
abah is one of the 13 member states of Malaysia, and is its easternmost state. It is located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo. It is the second largest state in the country after Sarawak, which it borders on its southwest.
It also shares a border with the province of East Kalimantan of Indonesia in the south. The capital of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu, formerly known as Jesselton. Sabah is often referred to as “The Land Below The Wind”, a phrase used by seafarers in the past to describe lands south of the typhoon belt. ETYMOLOGY
The origin of the name Sabah is uncertain, and there are
many theories that have arisen. One theory is that during the time it was part of the Bruneian Sultanate, it was referred to as Saba because of the presence of pisang saba, a type of banana, found on the coasts of the region. Due to the location of Sabah in relation to Brunei, it has been suggested that Sabah was a Bruneian Malay word meaning upstream[7] or the northern side of the river.[8] Another theory suggests that it came from the Malay word sabak which means a place where palm sugar is extracted. Sabah is also an Arabic word which means sunrise. The presence of multiple theories makes it difficult to pinpoint the true origin of the name.It has been said that Sabah was once referred to as Seludang in a 1365 Javanese text known as Nagarakretagama written by Mpu Prapanca. GEOGRAPHY The western part of Sabah is generally mountainous, containing the three highest mountains in Malaysia. The most prominent range is the Crocker Range which houses several mountains of varying height from about 1,000 metres to 4,000 metres. At the height of 4,095 metres, Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Malay Archipelago (excluding New Guinea) and the 10th highest mountain in political Southeast Asia. The jungles of Sabah are classified as tropical rainforests and host a diverse array of plant and animal species. Kinabalu National Park was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2000 because of its richness in plant diversity combined with its unique geological, topographical, and climatic
14
conditions.[11]
Lying nearby Mount Kinabalu is Mount
national parks, wildlife reserves, virgin jun-
Tambuyukon. With a height of 2,579
gle reserves, or protection forest reserve.
metres, it is the third highest peak in the
Over three quarters of the human popu-
country. Adjacent to the Crocker Range
lation inhabit the coastal plains. Major
is the Trus Madi Range which houses
towns and urban centres have sprouted
the second highest peak in the country,
along the coasts of Sabah. The interior
Mount Trus Madi, with a height of 2,642
region remains sparsely populated with
metres. There are lower ranges of hills
only villages, and the occasional small
extending towards the western coasts,
towns or townships.
southern plains, and the interior or central part of Sabah. These mountains and hills are traversed by an extensive network of
Beyond the coasts of Sabah lie a
river valleys and are in most cases covered
number of islands and coral reefs, includ-
with dense rainforest.
ing the largest island in Malaysia, Pulau Banggi. Other large islands include, Pulau Jambongan, Pulau Balambangan, Pulau
The central and eastern portion
Timbun Mata, Pulau Bumbun, and Pulau
of Sabah are generally lower mountain
Sebatik. Other popular islands mainly for
ranges and plains with occasional hills.
tourism are, Pulau Sipadan, Pulau Selingan,
Kinabatangan River begins from the west-
Pulau Gaya, Pulau Tiga, and Pulau Layang-
ern ranges and snakes its way through the
Layang.
central region towards the east coast out into the Sulu Sea. It is the second longest
TOURISM
river in Malaysia after Rajang River at a length of 560 kilometres. The forests sur-
Sabah currently has six national parks.
rounding the river valley also contains an
One of these, the Kinabalu National Park,
array of wildlife habitats, and is the largest
was designated as a World Heritage Site
forest-covered floodplain in Malaysia.
in 2000. It is the first[51] of two sites in
Nepenthes Gracilis, or the Slender PitcherPlant, is a common lowland pitcher plant that lives in Sabah.
Malaysia to obtain this status, the other
Other important wildlife regions
being the Gunung Mulu National Park in
in Sabah include Maliau Basin, Danum
Sarawak. Tourism sector is supported by
Valley, Tabin, Imbak Canyon and Sepilok.
Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Environment
These places are either designated as
and Sabah Tourism Board.
Sabah second largest state in the country after Sarawak, which it borders on its southwest.�
“Rafflesia Arnoldii�, the biggest flower in the world can be found in Sabah.
15
16
philipines
market by : presilla bunfat Philipines Market also known as handicraft market.
Filipino Market is a popular tourist destination in the city of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Formally known as Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Centre, it’s a bargain place for traditional arts and crafts, as well as souvenirs like T-shirts, key-chains etc. Start with the cheap trinkets, which make excellent gifts for friends and family. These include keychains, beaded bracelets and necklaces and bookmarks. You will be spoilt for choice with miles and miles of beautiful sarongs and pareos, an ideal reminder of your tropical holiday in Sabah! Be sure to check out the glistening and gorgeous pearl jewellery and handicrafts. You can purchase loose pearls or stunning brooches, necklaces and earrings, available at almost every stall you visit in this vast market. The most important tip
Philipines Market is one of the attraction in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. All the product of sabahan’s most famous item can be brought here.�
when visiting the market is to bargain, bargain, bargain! Pick up some local lingo to improve your bargaining skills and you might even walk away a steal. How to get there ? The Handicraft Market is located along the same stretch as the Waterfront in Kota Kinabalu City. It is a 5 to 10 minute walk from the city centre.
17
l u n d ay eh the tale of upriver peoples
Lundayeh ethnic or also known as Lun
the people.[5] The name Murut might have
Bawang ( which resides Long Pasia,
been derived from the word “Murud”, a
Sarawak) group in Sabah concentrates in
mountain located near an old Lun Bawang
Sipitang district, numbered about 10,000
settlement, hence might have just meant
(rough estimate).They were one of the
‘mountain men’ or ‘hill people’ but was
groups considered by the Brunai as Orang
instead used by the colonist to identify
Darat* (ethnic that lives on the Upper land
this ethnic.
or hinter land) In addition to that, ethnologist found that They were originally from North Western
the classification under the name Murut
part of Kalimantan, Indonesia. Since
is confusing as the term is used differ-
Sipitang district shares common border
ently in Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei, that is
with Kalimantan (not far from Long Pasia),
whilst in Brunei and Sarawak it is used to
thus quite natural for this group of people
describe the Lun Bawang people, in Sabah
crossed the border in unorganized fash-
it is used to identify an ethnic group that is
ion.They were rightly recognized as hill
linguistically and culturally different from
people rather than sea. Farming and agri-
the Lun Bawangs.[6][7]
culture are quite natural profession for them as fishing to coastal people.
CULTURE AND ECONOMICAL ACTIVITIES
ETYMOLOGY
Almost all of the traditional economical activities of the Lun Bawang and
The word Lun Bawang means people
Lundayeh are related to rice plantation,
of the country, whilst Lun Dayeh means
and they cultivate both rice on hill called
upriver people or people of the interior
lati’ tana’ luun and rice from paddy field
and Lun Lod means people living down-
called lati’ ba.[21][22] The production of
river or near the sea. Other names are
rice is related to ones’ prestige/financial
derived from geographical reference to
status, as excess of rice harvest are tradi-
their rice cultivation, for example Lun Baa’
tionally consumed in huge irau feast, sig-
(swamps) who lives near swampy areas
nifying wealth and fortune. Cooked rice is
and grow wet rice, and Lun Tana’ Luun (on
wrapped inside banana leaves called Luba’
the land) who cultivates dry rice.
Laya, and rice is also brewed into rice wine
While insisting that they never called
or burak for practical reasons. Partly due
themselves Murut, the Lun Bawangs were
to this, drinking burak had been an impor-
formerly identified as Murut by the British
tant (and also notorious, as is deemed by
colonists and by outsiders (other ethnic
the Christian missionaries and the Brooke
group).[4] In Lun Bawang language, the
government) custom of the Lun Bawangs
word Murut either means ‘to massage’ or
and Lundayehs, but now the rice wine
‘to give dowry’, and these meanings have
production has significantly dwindled due
little or no relation at all to the identity of
to effort done by the Christian missionar-
18
LUNDAYEH MEANS THE “UPRIVER PEOPLE” ies and Brooke government to encourage prohibition of alcohol amongst the community in the early 20th century. Meat and fish are brined or pickled using salt and is stored in hollow bamboo stalk for a duration of a month and the pickled food is called telu’ . Meat and fish are also preserved by smoking. Salt is obtained by evaporating brine from salt spring (lubang mein). Cattles and buffaloes are bred for their meat, and can serve as a symbol of financial status. These animals are commonly used as dowry that are presented to the bride’s family from the groom’s side. In the old days, the men wear jackets made of tree barks called kuyu talun. Cloth wrapped around the forehead is called sigar and loin cloth is called abpar. A long machete (pelepet) is tied to the waist, especially when it needs to be carried to tribal wars. As for the women, they wear pata on their head, beret on their waist, bane around the neck and gileng or pakel is worn as ornaments on their hands and wrists. The Lun Bawang and Lundayeh belong to a group termed as Nulang Arc group (Metcalf 1975). These ethnic (along with other ethnics such as the Berawans, the Melanaus and the Kajangs) traditionally practiced an ancient tradition of second-
Lundayeh’s peoples can be found near rural area such as Sipitang.”
19
Lundayeh girl wearing the complete traditional costumes. �
ary treatment of the dead. In Lun Bawang, this is called mitang butung. Metcalf theorised that this practice is a characteristic of the most ancient cultural tradition in Borneo, before the arrival of other invading ethnics that influenced the diversification of culture and language in Borneo.[23]
LUNDAYEH TRIBE AND lUN BAWANG TRIBE IS THE SAME ONE.
20
kaamatan
festival
KAAMATAN FESTIVAL IS THE MOST CELEBRATED
FESTIVAL IN SABAH WHICH TAKES TWO DAYS TO FINISH.
K
Kaamatan festival is an annual event in the cultural life
ETYMOLOGY
of the Kadazandusuns of Sabah since time immemorial. In its deepest sense, Kaamatan festival is a mani-
The word Kaamatan is derived from the root word tomot, a
festation of Creator and Creation relationship, as well
Kadazandusun term for harvest. In the context of this article,
as Inter-Creations relationship. It embodies the principal acts of
Kaamatan refers to the paddy-harvesting period, which involves
invocation of divinities, appeasing, purification and restoration,
a series of traditional rituals culminating finally to the Kaamatan
re-union of benevolent spirits, and thanksgiving to the Source
(harvest) festival. Tadau kaamatan is a celebration for the people
of All. It is part of a complex wholesome Momolian religious sys-
who celebrate tadau kaamatan.
tem centered on the paddy rites of passage and the life cycle of Bambarayon - the in-dwelling spirit of paddy.
RITUALS
Appeasing is done in respect of Bambarayon, Deities, Divinities and Spirits, who may have been hurt by human wrongful, acts.
The festival is observed in several rituals stages:
Purification is performed in respect of human and spiritual needs for forgiveness followed by resolutions to make themselves wor-
The Kumogos Ceremony
thy of the gifts of life from God. Restoration in necessary to ensure
Before a harvest begins, a Bobohizan/Bobolian (ritual specialist)
the health and well being of SUNIL, mankind and other spiritual
will select and tie-up 7 stalks of the best rice from a plot of rice
beings. Re-union is realised in respect of human needs to be inte-
field. These stakes of rice will only be harvested after the particular
grated in body, mind and spirit within the concept of the seven-in-
plot of field has been completely harvested. The 7 stalks of rice will
one divinity in humanity, as well as re-union of Bambarayon with
then be scattered all over the rice field. This gesture is to inform
human Sunduan. Finally Thanksgiving is observed as befitting for
the other spirits who may be present among the rice field not to
all creations to express their gratitude and appreciation for the
make any disturbance when the harvesting work is to commenced
gifts of life (through Huminodun) and all life supportive system on
and each of them will be given something after the harvest.
earth that their Creator lovingly and generously gave them.
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The word Kaamatan is derived from the root word tomot, a Kadazandusun term for harvest. .�
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T
and Tadau means “the Sun”, therefore Unduk Ngadau translates to he Kumotob Ceremony from the area which has
communicate with Sundu(Kinorohingan) or God asking for bless-
not yet been harvested to the Bobohizan/Bobolian
ing of sunlight.
will select 7 stalks of the best rice. The selected stalks are then tied up together and placed in a
FOODS
tadang (a type of basket for keeping rice). The rest of the rice in the field are then harvested and the rice are turned into seed
For those who would rather have Kaamatan as a feast day, numer-
for future planting season. Other than stated rituals, there’s four
ous varieties of unique traditional food and beverages await them.
other ritual ; The Posisip Ceremony, The Poihib Ceremony, The
There is the Linongot, Ombuyat, Borot, Soko Kinapa, Hinava, Tivak
Magavau Ceremony, The Humabot Ceremony.
Kinapa, Kulupis, Tuhau and Sambal Mangga; the various local deserts and delectable rice and coconut wines -- tapai, bahar, lihing
Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan is a beauty pageant held during the
and montokou for drinks, all completely free for as long as they
Kaamatan cultural event in Sabah, Malaysia. The title comes from
last. The only forbidden thing is to glut, to waste, and to lose self-
the ethnic word Runduk Tadau which means ‘the girl crowned by
discipline in drunkenness.
the sunlight’.[1] Unduk Ngadau is one of the most recognizable cultural events in Sabah and the beauty pageant is unique to the state. In Rungus Language, Runduk means “to communicate”,
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