The Bobohizan tradition is increasingly endangered due to fewer young women learning the sacred rituals and chants, as well as the passing of elder priestesses. To preserve this heritage, researchers, cultural organizations, and local communities have documented rituals and oral knowledge, while incorporating Bobohizan ceremonies into Kaamatan celebrations.
This is 26-years-old Adam "Kim" Gontusan, the youngest Bobohizan in Penampang, Sabah. His calling to become a Bobohizan was unique unlike his mentors and peers and his journey has been a pride to be shared.
Ever since he was young, Adam had always been enthusiastic with this belief. His mother told him that the spirit of Bambaazon is probably inside of him as he was born right after his mother finished mongogik (a traditional way of stepping on the paddy to seperate from its stems) during the paddy harvesting month. Adam would often teased by his friends by calling him a Bobohizan too. He stated that he took things as an early sign when he became aware that he would prefer to work in the village than in the city like any other teenagers. Within few months, he would meet his aki (a nickname for grandfather) everyday after work. Finally, Adam's aki asked him if he is interested on becoming a Bobohizan and Adam confidently answered it wih a "Yes". Thus, his aki told him to gather all the essential "props" as his first step to become a Bobohizan. That is when Adam "Kim" Gontusan started his journey as a Bobohizan.
However, in the interview where Adam was asked if he is going to continue his journey as a Bobohizan, he stated that sadly, the younger generation would assume that this religion is no longer relevant in the modern world. He would love to continue but there is no one to teach him anymroe as a lot of them (Bobohizan) have already embraced new religion or retired from the practive. Adam also mentioned that he could learn from elders from other districts but that would extinction to the original Penampang Bobohizan teachings.
During a Magavau Ritual (A ritual held to give thanks to the spirits for a bountiful harvest), there will be five Bobohizans from different parts of the state to perform the ritual. It is held as a private event at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) village. Before the ritual began, Sabah Bobohizan Association secretary Angelica Suimin told medias to not share videos of the priests chanting on social media. This is due to an assumption that happened before where people started calling them names and saying that they are worshipping "Satan".
It is an unfortunate reality of these dying traditions that the Kadazandusun elders are trying to pass on to the next generation. Social media is a great tool to promote the heritage, however it has also lead to misunderstanding and ridicule responses from society nowadays.
On 2018, a dance drama was made named 'Latana the Bobohizan'. The drama performance was performed by lineups of students and alumni performers from the ASWARA Faculty of Dance and Theatre under the direction of Mr. Aim Zackry (Director).
The dance drama 'Latana The Bobohizan' tells the story of a Bobohizan, who is a woman of influence within the Kadazandusun community culture. This performance also incorporates a series of choreographed movements based on the story being told. The project aims to support efforts in promoting the cultural products of Sabah, especially the Kadazandusun culture, while also welcoming the Visit Sabah Year 2018 (Keningau), which was launched by the Keningau District Officer, Mr. Haji Yusop Haji Osman.
By performing this dance drama to the public, it could help to raise awareness and enlighten the younger audiences more about the roles that Bobohizan carries in the Kadazandusun culture. This could also teach our younger generations about the importance to appreciate this intangible cultural heritage more.
Documentaries made by NGOs and community groups play a significant role in raising awareness and increasing exposure to the Bobohizan tradition. Videos shared on online platforms allow younger generations to easily access information and develop curiosity about this endangered cultural heritage. Through visual storytelling, these documentaries capture ritual practices, oral chants, and personal narratives of elder Bobohizan, making the tradition more relatable and engaging.
Digital media also helps preserve knowledge that was traditionally transmitted orally, ensuring it is documented for future reference. By combining technology with cultural education, documentaries serve as an effective tool in encouraging youth participation and fostering appreciation for the Bobohizan heritage.