A Murut Paluan in Kg Dalit, Sook performing a dance using the lalandau (argus bird feathers) over the bamboo poles of the Magunatip dance.
KOTA KINABALU: The finale to the Sabah Fest 2011 will see a fascinating performance by the Murut Paluan, one of the many Murut sub-ethnic groups in Sabah.
The Murut Paluan from Kg. Dalit, Sook in Keningau will perform a blend of two choreographed dances, using old objects as dance props. The first dance is called Alang Piring which involves symbolic gestures to welcome guests during festive gatherings.
The second dance is a hybrid presentation that uses the elements of argus bird feathers called lalandau, a blowpipe called sapuk and a ceremonial sword called pailang, while dancing on the bamboo poles of the Magunatip dance.
The original dance without the props was performed to commemorate the success of head hunting parties in the olden days.
The music that accompanies this dance is a fusion, combining the rhythmic beating of old empty tortoise shells called pakukang of legendary origins, and a set of a hanging gongs called ripason.
The Sabah Fest 2011 will take place on the 30th April and 1st May at the Magellan Grand Ballroom, Sutera Harbour Resort starting at 7pm on the first day with the Cultural Extravaganza show and the Premiere Show the following day.
Themed “PAPAKANG, The Odyssey of Seven Brothers”, the highly anticipated show will tell the tantalising and compelling legend behind the origins of the largest ethnic community in Sabah, the Kadazandusun, as told through the journey and experience of a young boy called Aki Lintobon.
Witness the cultural and traditional wealth of the land, as Aki Lintobon encounters various ethnic groups with fascinating folklore and age-old rituals in his journey across Sabah to search for his long lost brothers.
Tickets are priced at RM50 per show and student rate is RM30. This event is brought to the public by the Sabah Tourism Board and is organised by its wholly owned subsidiary company, Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd.
For ticket admission, contact Jane Lai at Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd at 088-232121 or Shirley Teo of Sabah Tourism Board at 088-212121.