Rustic Arts of Murut

Carving Tagunggak
The tagunggak is a bamboo idiophone. It is an musical instrument frequently used by the Murut
people. A togunggak set consists of six to seven pieces, each made from a bamboo section of a different diameter and height to give it its respective sound and pitch. The tagunggak is played to the same rhythm as the gongs.   



Beadworks
Beads were handed down as heirlooms from generation. It often made up into necklaces, wristlets,
ear rings, girdles, headband, baskets seat mats, jackets and baby carriers. Like most of the other

indigenous groups in Sabah, the Murut decorated their clothing with distinctive beadwork. They have belts made of silver coins (pipirot linggit) and glass beads of various colours. Pinongkolo, a traditional costume of women comprising a blouse and a long wrap-skirt of black cotton, is also decorated with beadwork. The decorated blouse is called babaru linantian.

Weavings and Craftings
The word Kalimaran refers to the craftsmanship activities of the Muruts. They produce impressive handicrafts like the Tikar, Silaung, Tikalis, Buyung, Lintoyog and Onot by using raw materials like rattan and bamban. Aside from just weaving cloth and sampoi (scarf) by using thread, bamboo weaving is also a part of the Murut arts and culture. The Murut woven motifs are used for small items and accessories such as baskets, traditional baby carriers and mats.



Performing Arts
Magunatip, the warrior dance of Borneo Headhunters, also known as Bamboo Dance In tradition, Magunatip was performed as a victorious dance when Murut warriors return from a headhunting raid. The dancers follow the music tempo to place their feet in and out of clapping bamboo poles in right timing (to avoid the painful clip). Murut people no longer headhunt today, so the bamboo dance is mainly performed in cultural functions and celebrations for entertainment. The fast clapping of the bamboo poles accompanied by the gong musical instrument gives the musical rhythm to the dance.

Lansaran
Long before the western technology came to this part of the world, the Murut community in interior of Sabah had come up with their version of the bouncy trampoline. But in Sabah, it is called the lansaran. Made of wood and plank flooring, it is constructed in a way to allow it to bounce. The planks are properly arranged and tied with rattan to allow flexibility. It is supported at the edges so the middle part can bounce easily. Sometimes, the lansaran can take as many as 20 people. The creation of lansaran has contributed to the art of jumping called maningkawot (one must jump as high as possible to get the target tied above the lansaran). The lansaran is also done to test the craftsmanship needed in making it.