Hello everyone, today I will introduce you all to one of our ethnic in Sabah, the Murut ethnic. This photoshoot was done just before the pandemic invaded our land, Sabah on march 2020.
A brief detail about Murut ethnic, The Murut communities are concentrated in the southwest interior of Sabah, East Malaysia, particularly in the districts of Keningau, Tenom, Nabawan, and Beaufort, which are located along the Sapulut and Padas rivers.
The Murut Warrior also know as the Headhunter. They were the last ethnic group in Sabah to renounce "headhunting". Collecting the heads of adversaries played a vital role in Murut spiritual beliefs. For example, a man may only marry after presenting at least one head to the selected girl's family.
More on the details of Murut ethnic can be found here Murut People
This photoshoot was done for the Mister Tourism World Malaysia 2019, Mr Danial Hansen.
| EXIF | f/8 | 1/160 | 69mm |
The weapon on his hand is called "Parang Pailang". This is the main weapon of the Murut warrior and it is compulsory to be taken with during "Mangayou" which mean war or specifically headhunting activity.
| EXIF | f/8 | 1/160 | 69mm |
Half body shoot #1, The loincloth that he wore was called "Sandaki" or "Ava". This is a traditional clothes for the man.
Its was made from tree bark.
| EXIF | f/8 | 1/160 | 70mm |
| EXIF | f/8 | 1/160 | 43mm |
The long feather and red cloth on the head is called "Lalandau" or "Tupi Sinulatan", it is woven with another cloth for the cultural pattern. The feather is usually taken from the "Tuou" bird. And the amount of feather symbolize the amount of head he has taken from certain war(s) or the "Mangayau" activities.
BONUS BLACK AND WHITE
| EXIF | f/8 | 1/160 | 56mm |
| Photographer |  |
| Camera | Canon Sony A7III | 24-75mm f3.5 - f5.6 |