CULTURE

              The Kota Belud Tamu has been widely advertised with Bajau horsemen in the foreground. The 'Cowboys of the East' indeed call Kota Belud their home, and they do have maybe the most colourful attire of all the ethnic entities in Sabah. 

            Their silken, red, green, yellow and white costumes are reminiscent of Spanish 16th century explorers with hanging sleeves and lace. Their accessories incorporate Chinese culture, topped with ancient embossed silver buttons and sirih (betel nut) containers elaborately worked along the models of 17th century Dutch pocket watches. Richly decorated, hand-woven fabrics worn around the waist or as appliqué and an artfully wound turban for men, together with a dagger complete the outfit. This splendid costume shows the Bajau's long trading history when they were still seafaring tribes.

         Later, when they settled they kept on trading and further completing their traditional festive dress to a point where a lady in full ceremonial gear cannot move except with extreme grace! A newly discovered passion for culture has prompted that a lot of young people nowadays do get married in traditional attire, even though this is by no means cheap! But it does help in creating an awareness for the importance of culture conservation and goes a long way showing the invited guests - it could be you, too! - that there is a long and important heritage to be proud of!