RANAU: Hundreds of enthusiasts from around the district attended the Ranau Sumirid Dance Student Awards Ceremony (Recintal 2.0) at the Ranau Youth and Sports Club Hall, recently.
Paginatan Assemblyman and Chairman of the Sabah Credit Corporation, Datuk Rusdin Riman, congratulated the organisers for instilling local cultural values among the young and hoped it would continue to be held.
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The Sumirid dance is not only an artistic performance, but a reflection of the life of the Dusun community with roots in Ranau and Kundasang.
This dance movement, which imitates the steps of threshing rice, shows the close relationship between cultural arts and traditional agricultural activities that were once part of their lives. Threshing is an important process in harvesting, where the rice is separated from its stalks manually.
Through this dance, the current generation can understand the art of living and the value of their ancestors’ hard work.
Historically, it was performed to welcome the return of warriors or hunters, signifying respect and gratitude to those who have served the community.
Another version of this dance, the Sumirid Medtemu, is used when communities gather to resolve conflicts peacefully, demonstrating dance as a medium of unity and traditional problem-solving.
Traditional musical elements are very important in shaping the atmosphere of this dance. The accompaniment of gongs, Kulintangan, and the blowing of Bungkau provide a lively and authentic rhythm, adding a sense of passion and authenticity to the performance.
This musical instrument is part of Borneo’s rich cultural heritage, which not only functions as an accompaniment, but also as an emotional link between the dancers and the audience.
The traditional clothing worn by the dancers adds visual beauty and reinforces their cultural identity. Decorated with Sunduk or Sinurondoi, this dress is not just a piece of clothing but a symbol of status and heritage passed down from generation to generation.
Preserving this dance means preserving the rich and meaningful cultural heritage of Sabah and especially Ranau and Kundasang.
