Visiting Sabah? Get your hands on some of these beaded beauties

Today, the Pinakol is available in many districts across Sabah, and are even sold at shopping malls, markets and online, too. — Photos: MELODY L. GOH/The Star

The traditional beaded accessories of Sabah are currently having a moment. Hopefully, this “trend” stays on permanently, and more people learn to appreciate them.

In Sabah, one of the most popular beaded accessories is the Pinakol, a shoulder band usually worn by Rungus girls and women to adorn their traditional outfit. The Pinakol is worn in pairs, criss-cross on the shoulders, but smaller versions can be worn as a single necklace, much like the Litai (beaded necklace).