Among the Rungus people of Kudat, the Gong was traditionally considered to be not only a priceless instrument of value but also sacred item to be passed down from one generation to the next.
The gong was used for various reasons, including:
- As a cover for a burial urn;
- As "berian" or a compulsory wedding gift for a marriage;
- As a musical instrument during a traditional dance or funeral;
- Used whilst searching for the lost in the wilderness;
- Used to warn of danger;
- Used to mark the occurrence of a lunar eclipse.
Kampung Sumangkap or Sumangkap village is one of the four craft villages in the Kudat region; whereby the whole village only specialises in one craft - in this case gong-making.
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| The entrance sign is a decorated Gong. |
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| Gongs are found all over the village. |
Walking around the village, you will be able to see gong-making workshops all over the place, with craftsmen hard at work.
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| Craftsmen at work. |
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| Future craftsman |
Walking down the village road, you will come to the padang or field, where a huge Gong called the Gong Raksasa ("monstrous gong") is displayed. At more than 20 feet in height, this gong will dwarf anyone standing next to it.
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| Gong Raksasa |
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