KIULU – It looks like the celebration of Sabah’s Tadau Kaamatan or Harvest Festival has begun early for the Kadazandusuns of Kiulu situated in the Tamparuli district.
In conjunction with the state-level festival held this year on May 30 and 31, the community slaughtered several buffaloes here recently, as a customary sign of peace and reconciliation.
Seven locations were selected for the traditional slaughtering, for which the ethnic group comprising of several clans term as “pibabasan” or the peace ceremony.
Held on a small scale, the blood of the animals was poured into Sg Libodon located in the interior of Kiulu, which eventually flows into the larger Sg Tuaran.
Legend has it that Sg Libodon used to be a battleground among the many Kadazandusun clans.
Known for their headhunting culture in the past, the Kadazandusuns are said to have fought with each other to obtain enemies’ skulls as trophies and a symbol of strength of their respective clans.
A small group of Kiulu folks were seen gathering under the scorching sun to view the slaughtering of a buffalo near the river at Kg Libodon, some two hours’ drive from Kota Kinabalu. In this festive atmosphere, the villagers collectively cut, cooked, and shared the buffalo meat.
On hand to witness the event was state Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who said such Kadazandusun customs were interesting to observe, and they presented valuable knowledge for one to understand the other’s culture.
“The clash of (Kadazandusun) clans is akin to political infighting. Culture and unity can be a bridge to reconcile political conflicts in a peaceful manner based on common respects,” he said.
“Traditional practices that focus on peace and reconciliation are important for cultural unity, especially when we are living in a multiracial country.
“This is a cultural heritage that is rich in value and should be preserved. Knowledge of traditional beliefs and customary practices need to be passed down and not forgotten. Our cultural background is what gives us our identity and makes us who we are.”
This is a cultural heritage that is rich in value and should be preserved. Knowledge of traditional beliefs and customary practices need to be passed down and not forgotten. Our cultural background is what gives us our identity and makes us who we are.
Bangkuai, who is also the assemblyman for Kiulu, pointed out the need to document customary practices as a way to preserve the understanding of cultures in order for the people to build a better community.
He said that the state Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry and the Sabah Tourism Board were always encouraging individuals – including local film or documentary producers – to work together in documenting the state’s many cultural practices as a way to promote Sabah as a heritage destination.
The slaughtering of buffaloes was documented by a local film crew that was also doing a shoot focusing on Kiulu as a rural-tourism destination.
Also present were Kadazandusun Cultural Association social culture and heritage director Benedict Topin, Kiulu assistant district officer Justin Gindok, and Tamparuli assistant district officer Herman Tunggiging, as well as several native chiefs and village chiefs. – The Vibes, April 28, 2021
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