Malays, Dusuns in Belait Join Hands to Preserve Culture

Kuala Belait, Brunei Darussalam - The cultural heritage of indigenous people is an important aspect of any race as it more often than not, comprises the material as well as the spiritual, from wisdom, way of life, and beliefs to unique and beautiful jewellery, tools and handicrafts unique to that culture.

In conjunction with the local tourism programme Cheo'-Cheo Le Long Belait, two tribal societies; the Belait Malays and Dusuns came together to celebrate their shared determination to preserve the culture and traditions of their respective communities in an event that took place at the open space of the Brunei Shell staff housing area in Jalan Maulana.

The event was organised by the Village Consultative Council (MPK) of Sungai Liang and Mumong, Kuala Belait, in collaboration with the the Belait District Office.

The Dusun community participated in the event by staging several performances such as the opening song called 'Lama Mikot' (welcoming people to come along). The community also showcased their wedding customs, which was accompanied by a `Gendang Si Raja Lalu' performance.

They also performed a dance associated with the Harvest Festival or Curing Function, which is usually performed as a way to celebrate a new yield of rice. The majority of musical performances embraced and practised by the Dusun culture is accompanied by a traditional musical instrument called the Kasapi.

In addition, performances by the Belait Malay community also saw a number of cultural performances which included the Gandang Parang, Gandang Ibang-lbang, Gendang Labit and a traditional dance called Alai Sekap. The traditional dance form is considered similar to the Bamboo Dance of the Philippines, although it makes use of wood and is danced to the rhythm of gendang drums.

Participants from both communities and cultures mostly involved the youth.

It is hoped that the current generation will be able to instill the values of their traditional culture into their lifestyles in modern day society by preserving its uniqueness.

If these traditions can be observed and practised on a regular basis, then the culture and customs can be preserved and continue to be developed further for the benefit of future generations of Malays and Dusuns.

Source: http://www.brudirect.com
Photo: http://imaginingourselves.imow.org

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