The Huminodun story is about getting back to the roots of the Kadazandusun people.
The term Unduk as mentioned by Ms. Joanna Kitingan, the Chairperson of Unduk Ngadau Committee ofthe Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) and also noted by Currioustraveller in his blog, literally means the shoots of a plant, with it a most tangible description, signifying youthfulness and progressiveness. Meanwhile Ngadau means sun, which connotes the total beauty of the heart, mind and body of an ideal Kadazandusun.
This is portrait of myself when I was 13 years old in a traditional costume of the Kadazandusun from the district of Papar
The term Unduk Ngadau means the Harvest Beauty Queen, given as a result of the sacrifice made by Huminodun; who is the daughter of the Kadazandusun God (Kinoingan). The uniqueness of this festival is also because of the spiritual based celebration of the thanksgiving ritual manifested by the legend of divine human sacrifice. The story in this legend has truly inspired me because of the highest sacrifice a human can make, the offering of one's own life for the sake of one's people.
During ancient times, the Kaamatan festival was a truly spiritual event where the whole community gathered at the community hall (balai raya). They assembled before the head of a village to celebrate happiness and thanksgiving by performing rituals (Magavau), dancing, sharing food and selecting the Unduk Ngadau as a symbolic gesture of paying tribute to the sacred daughter Huminodun who had been sacrificed to save the planet from drought and famine. Since that faithful day, the other physical parts of the sacrificed Huminodun enriched the Dusuns' floral resources. Most Kadazandusun Shaman (Bobohizan / Bobolian) account for Huminodun's transformation as follows;
- Head - coconut and other larges nuts
- Eyes - rambutan, langsat and lychees
- Ears - mushrooms
- Teeth - maize
- Ribs - bananas
- Hair - ferns and komburongoh (jerangau in Malay or type of shrub/herb with roots which can be used as medicine)
- Flesh and blood - fragrant red rice
- Legs and thigh bones - bamboo
- Feet, Hands and fingers - ginger, tumeric and natocs
- Veins and arteries - potatoes and vegetable creepers
- Internal organs - potatoes
- Small intestines - beans and gourds
- Stomach and large intestines - pumpkins, melons and cucumber
- Forearms' bones marrow - sugar canes
- Body scent - fragrance of rice and flowers
- Breasts - succulent fruits
- Womanhood (woman private part) - flowers
- Spirit - Bambarayon
Digital work called Huminodun by Sabah-born artist Yee I-Lann. Photo Source
The compilation of stories and research findings about this culture, especially the saviour of the Kadazandusun has fallen on an act of Love of a young lady called Huminodun. In the modern world now, is the spirit of Huminodun still relevant?
This legend has somehow contributed to my insights and intuitive feelings in that the next generation of the redeemer could be a lady! In every year and at every district the Kaamatan festival will be celebrated and a new beauty queen search would be the highlight of the festival. The search for Huminodun maybe of one in perpetuity and might never come to an end.
Thank you for visiting my blog and stay tuned for Series #04.
Love and light
P/S The 1st picture is @madeve personal collection.
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If you feel that my 22nd article and my effort has contributed to the educational views of the world, please feel to put your comment below or at least to upvote and follow me. I will appreciate all good comments as this will encourage me to keep on writing on socio-cultural and education that shall contribute towards the growth of creative industries and sustainable future of my people.
Disclaimer: All writings are original scholarly works and proprietary. Please contact @madeve for the use of publication.
Hi @madeve
These are very interesting information about your culture. Thanks for sharing.
By the way, your post has been chosen to be featured in The Daily Qurator #20. So don't forget to check it tomorrow
Congrats,
Dr. TLK :D
Thanks for the support. I've made efforts to compile the indigenous stories and some of them were untold and very new information. I still have another 17 series to go, so stay tuned for more updates.
I'll check The Daily Qurator #20 . Thanks again.
Great. I look forward to reading and learning more :D
Awesome!
Thanks for sharing. Good post. :) I'm following. Please follow me...
Thanks for the support. My Series #04 will be posted soon . =)
ok. thanks for upvote. good luck.
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Hi I saw that your post was featured in todays edition of the Daily Qurator and came by to have a look. I am always fascinated with other cultures and the look you gave into yours is no exception. I hope your efforts to improve the socio-economic well being of your people has continued success.
Thank you so much for the encouraging words. This would keep me going in my journey with my community. I will have a look at the Daily Qurator shortly. Not forgetting my Series #04 is about to release soon. Stay tuned for more. =)
Cheers for the sharing. :)
Thanks @lorenzolowrince for the upvote
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Cheers for the support. :)
Excellent @madeve
cheers for the support.
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upvoted you like always<3
Thank you for the continuous support. Join the team.
Wao!! Amazing, Good Article Bro!! Got Upvote For Sure :)
Thank you for the support ah-2002. Keep u the good spirit in you. Cheers!
Thanks :)
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