Tavol and Murut Tahol Culture
Murut people have a very unique culture in Sabah. In the past, our
lives were very dependent on hunting game and catching fish in the river.
A person who has customary and traditional knowledge such as in hunting
as well as forest and river resource gathering in the village is considered a
Kalawon, a person who is knowledgeable and respected.
Ceremonial gatherings are a part of Murut life that is still practised
today. Murut people usually hold ceremonial gatherings or unique festivals
by celebrating day and night for a week.
The most unique ceremonial gathering for the Murut is marriage or
“Tina'uh /Ansakoi”. Marriage is considered an important ceremony and
the most important part is during the delivery of the last wedding gifts.
For the wedding ceremony, hunting and gathering forest
resources is important to the community. The game and resources
gathered are essential components in carrying out the ceremony.
Adequate preparation is needed and it takes about a year or according to
the period of engagement decided to make the preparations. Families from
both sides will make the preparations which includes hunting game,
collecting wild forest vegetables and fishing.
To ensure game and food resources from the forest and river such
as fish are enough and would be continuously available for future use, we
have a traditional Naufasan/Naulayan (practice) that has been used since
our ancestors' time known as Naufasan Tavol.
If considered in current times, Tavol is the care of a specific area,
with the purpose of controlling resource collection from overharvest in the
Iningaan Mai to ensure resources do not go extinct.
In addition, this Naufasan also gives opportunity for animals to
continue reproducing in Iningaan Mai areas to provide for the daily needs
of the community.
Tavol is not only practised during wedding preparations, but also
for events such as Kukula‟ (cockfighting festival) and Kitanan (100th day of
mourning).
11 | PRACTICES OF THE MURUT TAHOL IN ALUTOK, ULU TOMANI