Conceptual Studio Photoshoot : Murut Warrior

Hello everyone, today I will introduce you all to one of our ethnic in Sabah, the Murut ethnic. This photoshoot was done just before the pandemic invaded our land, Sabah on march 2020.

A brief detail about Murut ethnic, The Murut communities are concentrated in the southwest interior of Sabah, East Malaysia, particularly in the districts of Keningau, Tenom, Nabawan, and Beaufort, which are located along the Sapulut and Padas rivers.

The Murut Warrior also know as the Headhunter. They were the last ethnic group in Sabah to renounce "headhunting". Collecting the heads of adversaries played a vital role in Murut spiritual beliefs. For example, a man may only marry after presenting at least one head to the selected girl's family.

More on the details of Murut ethnic can be found here Murut People

This photoshoot was done for the Mister Tourism World Malaysia 2019, Mr Danial Hansen.

EXIF	f/8 | 1/160 | 69mm

This half body photoshoot portray a Murut warrior of the Headhunter. This image can be found in my IG

The weapon on his hand is called "Parang Pailang". This is the main weapon of the Murut warrior and it is compulsory to be taken with during "Mangayou" which mean war or specifically headhunting activity.

EXIF	f/8 | 1/160 | 69mm

Half body shoot #1, The loincloth that he wore was called "Sandaki" or "Ava". This is a traditional clothes for the man.
Its was made from tree bark.

EXIF	f/8 | 1/160 | 70mm

Half body shoot #2, The Accessories on the hand is called "Papakol", It is always be worn above the elbow and on their calf.

EXIF	f/8 | 1/160 | 43mm

Full body shoot, You can see the red accessories that being tied on the calf on this photo. That is another "Papakol".

The long feather and red cloth on the head is called "Lalandau" or "Tupi Sinulatan", it is woven with another cloth for the cultural pattern. The feather is usually taken from the "Tuou" bird. And the amount of feather symbolize the amount of head he has taken from certain war(s) or the "Mangayau" activities.

BONUS BLACK AND WHITE

Murut Warrior aka Murut Headhunter

EXIF	f/8 | 1/160 | 56mm

And that is all for this Murut Warrior series. Thank you for reading :D

Photographer	@tawadak24
Camera	Canon Sony A7III | 24-75mm f3.5 - f5.6