About the Kadazan
The Kadazans are a tribe of people from the state of Sabah. Most of them live on the west coast as well as the interior of Sabah. They share so much similarities to another group, the Dusun, that the two groups are lumped collectively as Kadazan-Dusun (some times even written as Kadazandusun). The Kadazan-Dusun makes up the biggest group in Sabah.
Although there is a widely held belief that the term "Kadazan" was cointed in the late 1950s or early 1960s, in fact it has been around as early as the turn of the 20th century. The earliest written mention of "Kadazan" appears in the book The Pagans of North Borneo by Owen Rutter, who served as District Office in Sabah from 1910 to 1914.
The Kadazans were traditionally rice farmers. Their culture bears influences associated with rice farming. This includes their various delicacies and alcoholic drinks. Tapai and lihing are both Kadazan rice wines preparing through differing fermentation processes. Due to the importance of rice farming, the most important festival of the Kadazans is Kaamattan, the Kadazan harvest festival. This is the festival where the Kadazans honour the rice spirit.
Religion of the Kadazan
Most Kadazans are Christians, mainly Roman Catholics and some Protestants. A small but growing number has also converted to Islam. Many Kadazans still practise animism as the predominant religion. The belief centers on around a spirit or entity called Kinoingan. Again, the belief revolves around rice. The Kadazans believe that spirits ruled over the planting and harvesting of rice. Within the Kadazan community, there is a tribal priestess known as bobohizan who conduct the rituals before and after each harvest.
Music and Dance
The most popular Kadazan dance is the Sumazau. It is performed by men and women, whether as couples or as groups of couples. The dance is accompanied by the symphony of gongs called "tagung". Another musical instrument used is the sompoton. The dancers wear a ceremonial sash. Sumazau is usually performed during celebrations such as wedding feasts.
Food
In addition to rice, the Kadazan cuisine makes use of bamboo shoots, sago and freshwater fish. Their cooking has been influence by Chinese cooking, and that of other indigenous groups. "Pinasakan" is a popular Kadazan dish made from pickled freshwater fish. "Hinava" is a salad made with pieces of raw fish, bitter gourd and other ingredients. Bambangan fruit is eaten as appetiser, as is unripe mango mixed with soy sauce and chilli.
Kadazan-Dusun
Kadazans and Dusuns share the same language and culture. The Kadazans traditionally inhabit the flat valley deltas whereas the Dusuns live in the hilly and mountainous regions in the interior of the state.
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