Murut People

The group is divided between lowland (Tagol) and highland (Timugon) subgroups. They speak the Murutic Languages , a branch of the Austronesian Family . The Tagol Murut Language serves as their Lingua Franca .

CUSTOMS

The Murut were the last of Sabah's ethnic groups to renounce Headhunting . As with the Iban of Sarawak , collecting heads of enemies traditional served a very important role in Murut spiritual beliefs. For example, a man could only get married after he presented at least one head to the family of the desired girl.

The Murut are now mostly shifting cultivators of hill Padi and Tapioca , supplementing their diet with Blowpipe hunting and with some fishing. They live in communal Longhouse s, usually near rivers, using the rivers as their highways. Many have now converted to Fundamentalist Christianity , which to a certain extent causing the loss of much of their culture.

Traditional dress for men was a jacket made of tree bark (Artocarpus tamaran), a red loincloth, and a headdress decorated with Argus Pheasant feathers. Women wore a black sleeveless blouse and Sarong , which fell just below the knees. Like most of the other indigenous groups in Sabah, the Murut decorated their clothing with distinctive Beadwork and also made belts out of old Silver coins. Another belt made of reddish-brown glass beads plus yellow and blue beads was hung loosely around the waist.

Murut wedding or funeral feasts can last several days. Ancient Chinese jars hold a prominent status in Murut customs. Jars are also a place of spirits, and larger jars were formerly used as coffins.

Information About

Murut People