SEVERAL variants of the traditional costumes during the finale of the state-level Unduk Ngadau this year will be another attraction at the most anticipated peak of the Kaamatan festival celebration.
Participants from Lahad Datu, Sook, Kemabong, Keningau and Beaufort are expected to wear five newly-introduced traditional costumes which have been accepted by the organizing committee as the new addition to the other costumes that are being worn at the beauty pageant.
Organizing chairperson Joanna Kitingan said they had been emphasizing on new representations of the traditional costumes from each district by encouraging the district-level coordinators to come up with costumes that had not been highlighted before.
“We have many ethnic groups under the Kadazan, Dusun and Murut (KDM) group. Each ethnic has their own variant of clothing that can be worn by the Unduk Ngadau. That is why we need to go back to basics and refer to our own history to find out what we can present to showcase the uniqueness of KDM women.
“It is a good thing to discover something new because we want our people to be aware of the history. The reason why we want to return to basics is because we are looking at the evolution of our traditional costumes,” she said.
This year, Unduk Ngadau representing Lahad Datu, Euphrasia Christe Majalang Lusoc will be walking on the stage of the Hongkod Koisaan with Dusun Subpan costume called Minglap (top) and Tapik (skirt).
Meanwhile, Angela Felix of Sook will be wearing the Murut Bookan costume, which is another variant of the Murut attire. The top part of the Murut Bookan costume is called Sulayau, while the skirt is Tapik Kinangkaringan. Head gear, which is a fluffy and colourful feather tucked in the hair bun called Sikot is something new and refreshing.
Kemabong representative, Cehrolley Judah will be parading her Murut Kemabong costume, which is embroidered with mostly red, yellow and blue beads. Colourful beaded accessories on her arm and neck are another new thing that will add the excitement of the pageant this year.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sabah Harvest pageant to showcase five new traditional costumes
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