Craftwork

SOMPOTON

The Sompoton is a type of wind musical instrument of the Kadazandusun community. It is made from a dried gourd and bamboo pipes. A total of eight bamboo pipes are tied together in two rows, with four pipes in each row, and inserted into a dried gourd. The Sompoton is a musical instrument used to accompany the traditional Kadazan dance known as the Sumazau Dance.

SIRUNG

This traditional headgear, called as Sirung in local dialect, is handcrafted by Kota Belud's Dusun community. It is frequently worn by the Dusun Kimaragang community as a head cover tom protect against the scorching sun while goine "mengumo" which is wkorking or farming.Usually, it is used when when working in the paddy fields. The Sirung can also be used as a food cover and it is made from sliced rattan.

BARAIT

Barait is a traditional bag for the Kadazandusun and Murut communities. The Barait is made from a special type of rattan bark that grows near small river. The rattan is sliced into the desired sizes before being woven. The size of Barait depends on the length and quantity of rattan strips used. The process of making a Barait takes approximately 3 days to a week. It is not an easy process and only certain individuals possess the necessary skills. One of the uses for the Barait is to carry harvestes crops such as ginger and corn.

TUDUNG DUANG

Tudung Duang is a traditional food cover created by the Bajau Sama community of Kota Belud, Sabah. It is made of dried daun serdang (serdang palm leaves) that are coloured in brilliant colours and woven into a dome form similar to a straw hat. The goal is to keep food safe from insects and dust, particularly during gatherings or dinners.

Beyond its use, Tudung Duang exemplifies Bajau workmanship and cultural identity. Each piece is handcrafted and often features colourful designs and a little handle known as karis-karis. It is not only utilitarian, but also a symbol of tradition, inventiveness, and communal pride.

TAKINAN MURUT

Miniature Takinan basket is a product of the Murut community in Keningau. The basket is woven from strips of dried bamboo and is tied to four rattan stands using selingkawang, a type of grass. In the olden days, a full-size Takinan would be used by the Murut to store paddy rice. Nowadays, it is used as home decor or for storage purposes.

WAKID

Wakid, a traditional handwoven multipurpose basket, originated in Ranau and Tambunan. It is utilised by the Kadazandusun to transport fruits, vegetables, and other goods.

Typically, wakids are made out of rattan, bamboo, or tree bark. Using one of these materials allows it to hold up to 70 kilogrammes and is long-lasting, with some being used for years.

Wakid baskets can be seen at several of Sabah's handicraft marketplaces. Baskets come in a variety of forms and sizes, including smaller versions.

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