SACRIFICIAL PARTS OF HUMINODUN | KOPISUNDUAN Series #03 |

The Huminodun story is about getting back to the roots of the Kadazandusun people.  

The term Unduk as mentioned by Ms. Joanna Kitingan, the Chairperson of Unduk Ngadau Committee  ofthe Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) and also noted by Currioustraveller in his blog, literally means the shoots of a plant, with it a most tangible description, signifying youthfulness and progressiveness.  Meanwhile Ngadau means sun, which connotes the total beauty of the heart, mind and body of an ideal Kadazandusun. 

This is portrait of myself when I was 13 years old in a traditional costume of the Kadazandusun from the district of Papar

The term Unduk Ngadau means the Harvest Beauty Queen, given as a result of the sacrifice made by Huminodun; who is the daughter of the Kadazandusun God (Kinoingan). The uniqueness of this festival is also because of the spiritual based celebration of the thanksgiving ritual manifested by the legend of divine human sacrifice. The story in this legend has truly inspired me because of the highest sacrifice a human can make, the offering of one's own life for the sake of one's people. 

During ancient times, the Kaamatan festival was a truly spiritual event where the whole community gathered at the community hall (balai raya).  They assembled before the head of a village to celebrate happiness and thanksgiving by performing rituals (Magavau), dancing, sharing food and selecting the Unduk Ngadau as a symbolic gesture of paying tribute to the sacred daughter Huminodun who had been sacrificed to save the planet from drought and famine.  Since that faithful day, the other physical parts of the sacrificed Huminodun enriched the Dusuns' floral resources.  Most Kadazandusun Shaman (Bobohizan / Bobolian) account for Huminodun's transformation as follows;

1. Head - coconut and other larges nuts
2. Eyes - rambutan, langsat and lychees
3. Ears - mushrooms
4. Teeth - maize 
5. Ribs - bananas
6. Hair - ferns and komburongoh (jerangau in Malay or type of shrub/herb with roots which can be used as medicine)
7. Flesh and blood - fragrant red rice
8. Legs and thigh bones - bamboo
9. Feet, Hands and fingers - ginger, tumeric and natocs
10. Veins and arteries - potatoes and vegetable creepers
11. Internal organs - potatoes
12. Small intestines - beans and gourds
13. Stomach and large intestines - pumpkins, melons and cucumber 
14. Forearms' bones marrow - sugar canes 
15. Body scent - fragrance of rice and flowers
16. Breasts - succulent fruits
17. Womanhood (woman private part) - flowers
18. Spirit - Bambarayon 

Digital work called Huminodun by Sabah-born artist Yee I-Lann. Photo Source

The compilation of stories and research findings about this culture, especially the saviour of the Kadazandusun has fallen on an act of Love of a young lady called Huminodun.  In the modern world now, is the spirit of Huminodun still relevant?  

This legend has somehow contributed to my insights and intuitive feelings in that the next generation of the redeemer could be a lady!  In every year and at every district the Kaamatan festival will be celebrated and a new beauty queen search would be the highlight of the festival. The search for Huminodun maybe of one in perpetuity and might never come to an end.  

Thank you for visiting my blog and stay tuned for Series #04.

Love and light

@madeve 

P/S The 1st picture is @madeve personal collection.

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