Stones painting. (May7)(picture goes with story slug kkshandicraft7 for metro south-east)
KOTA KINABALU: The month of May is a season for non-stop cultural events in Sabah as people prepare for the much-awaited “Unduk Ngadau” (Harvest Queen) competition end of this month.
Among the events include the Sabah Festival, handicraft making sessions as well as exhibitions on the various traditional arts and crafts.
For those who are interested to learn more about handicraft making, they can visit Kadaiku, a souvenir shop selling all sorts of Sabah crafts and even learn to make it themselves.
The shop located at Sinsuran in the city will hold a Rinago (multipurpose casings) making demo by local craftsmen of the Rungus ethnic group such as Johilin Keshedan and Rungus beads making demo by Anna Sual from May 4 to 8.
Later from May 11 to 15, there will be carving and leaf-weaving demonstration for visitors to the shop.
People can learn about Bajau handicraft of Semporna – Lepa-lepa Carving by Alpakah Hamah, and Bajau handicraft of Kota Belud– Serdang (leaf-weaving) making demo by artist Sadi Basal.
On May 18 to 22, there will be local weavers from the Kadazandusun community teaching people how to make the Tambunan Wakid (multipurpose basket) and Sirung (traditional hat) by Julitah Kulindod, as well as Dusun handicrafts of Tamparuli – Bayung (multipurpose basket) by Juvita Gani.
Artists or carving enthusiasts can come for the stone and caricature painting demo by Sabah artists – Awang Azmi Awang Bakar and Galadius Anixen Gantang from May 25 to 27.
Other works of Sabah artists will be on display and available for purchase during these sessions.
The climax of the festival will be on May 30 and 31 where ladies from various ethnic groups in Sabah would be vying for the harvest queen title.
Details, log on to www.sabahfest.com/handicraft-demo-and-sale/kadaiku@sabahtourism.com, www.kadaiku.com or www.facebook.com/kadaiku
