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Tamu Besar Kota Belud 2008 (Kota Belud Annual Traditional Open-Air Market)
A huge gathering of traders, buyers and visitors went down to the Tamu Besar Kota Belud on the fourth weekend of October. The annual event started on Saturday on the 25th of October and lasted for two days, during which many activities both traditional and modern took place.
A means to trade
In the old days, a tamu (which means Gathering in the local tongue) was a place where traders from different tribes could barter for goods with one another in an open-air market. This practice still goes on today, and has become an attraction for tourists. These open-air markets can be found in many other places of Sabah, but the biggest of them all can be found only in one place - the Tamu Besar Kota Belud. Many items of daily use can be acquired such as parangs, shoes, clothing and fresh produce.
Open-air activities
There were many activities in store everyone. There was a cooking competition and a singing contest held on the first day. Ratu Serimpak, the event’s beauty pageant was held on the second day. There were also sport competitions such as buffalo racing, relay race (where the buffalo riders must pass the baton to their horseriding team mates) and a variation of the “musical chair” game that involves horse-riding.
Throughout the two-day event, cultural performances entertained the visitors while traders displayed their goods to eager buyers.
One of the highlights of the event is the display of horsemanship by the Bajau people of Kota Belud, famously known as the Cowboys of the East. Around a hundred Bajau horsemen performed complicated manoeuvres on the field to form iconic symbols of the country, such as the hibiscus (the national flower of Malaysia). Both horsemen and steeds (which are actually ponies) were adorned in colourful costumes and bells distinctively of Bajau designs.
The image of the tamu might have changed according to times, but its purpose hasn’t changed throughout the ages. It’s a testament to Sabah’s multicultural unity, and we hope that this practice will continue on for many more generations.
Photos by Eshark of EsharkDesign.com
massy
i’ve been to the tamu besar before but I dun recall seeing this..anyways, in the 1st shot, why is that lady on the right rolling her eyes to the one in the middle XD
Daniel
They just finished one of the hardest round in the competition - the test of wits.
It was very, very difficult. To them.
Tamu Besar Kota Belud « Made In Sabah
[...] the Bajau horsemen, during the event earlier, there is a Bajau female beauty pageant contest call ‘Ratu Serimpak’, which been held for the last 7 years until now. The unique of this beauty pageant beside their [...]
papajoneh
I truly like the 2nd last picture. It reminded me of my late grandpa with almost the same costume but on a Buffalo!!!
Great picture to be framed! Nice one.
Eshark
Thanks papajoneh.. ;)