KOTA KINABALU: Today, August 9, is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous people. This is when we members of an indigenous group look at our achievements and progress through our time of ‘civilisation’ transition and what we have retained of our culture and traditions through this passage of time.
To ensure that we don’t forget, without regressing, there is an exhibition of a variety of ancient swords, used for headhunting, some dating from the early 1800’s being exhibited at the Ruang Rumah of the Rumah Terbalik, sited along the road to Tamparuli and Ranau.
The exhibition showcases some 14 headhunting weapons that have seen actions through its owners, who when cutting an enemy’s head put a notch on the sword or bore a hole through the formidable weapons. These exhibits belongs to Muzium Lotud Borneo headed by Pediman Jabau.
He shared that all the swords are authentic donated by the owners and heirs to the museum adding that they belonged to the various ethnic groups such as Dayak, Lotud, Iban, Murut and Rungus. There are also some swords of Japanese Origin.
Meanwhile, Alexander Yee proprietor of Rumah Terbalik and 3Ds Wonder Museum shared that the exhibition is his contribution to cultural and traditional preservation, while promoting tourism in the Tuaran district.
The collaboration was supposed to be held after the Christmas exhibition last year at the Ruang Tamu but was delayed due to the Covid19 pandemic and the subsequent Movement Restriction Order.
The collaboration between the Rumah Terbalik and the Lotud Museum between the two United Tuaran Tourism Association members expect to attract visitors to not only visit the exhibition at the Ruang Rumah, but also to visit the Lotud Museum.
For those who are curious about these cultural and traditional heritage, they should drop by the Ruang Rumah at Rumah Terbalik for a good look. These rare items are awesome pieces of ancient crafts.
The exhibition is open from 7am to 7pm, everyday. -BNN
