Sumangkap Village, Sabah

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:

1. As a cover for a burial urn;
2. As "berian" or a compulsory wedding gift for a marriage;
3. As a musical instrument during a traditional dance or funeral;
4. Used whilst searching for the lost in the wilderness;
5. Used to warn of danger;
6. 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.

The entrance sign is a decorated Gong.

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.

Craftsmen at work.

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.

Gong Raksasa