Preserving tradition: Makuut holding a gong he made in Kampung Sumangkap in Sabah. — Bernama
Kudat: The biggest challenge in preserving traditional handicraft is having someone to pass the skill down to but in Kampung Sumangkap in Matunggong here, there is no shortage of that.
Village elders have been passing down their traditional gong-making skills to ensure that the craft lives on.
Kampung Sumangkap now has 30 skilled gong-makers, among whom is third-generation artisan Ronny Makuut.
Makuut, 44, said gong-making in the village started in the 1950s following an elder’s dream to preserve the skill.
“Our ancestors made gongs which were quite rough and not as beautiful then.
“Now, with modern equipment, the gongs are beautiful. Making gongs has also become a source of income for the villagers,” he told Bernama.
Located 140km north of Kota Kinabalu, Kampung Sumangkap is known for its gong cottage industry.
Makuut, who has been in the industry for almost 20 years, inherited the skills from his father.
“Initially, I learned it just to help my father but over time, it has become an industry, providing me with an income to support my family,” he said.
The gong is an important musical instrument among the village community – majority of whom are from the Rungus ethnic group. The insturment is especially used during wedding ceremonies, and the Kaamatan and Magahau festivals.
According to Makuut, the gong was also used at one time by search parties looking for people lost in the forest.
There are many types of gongs – from small ones given away as souvenirs to large ones that cost tens of thousands of ringgit reserved for special occasions.
“We make small palm-sized gongs to be used as decorations, as well as key chains, fridge magnets and pins, so that tourists can buy them as souvenirs,” he said.
Fifth-generation gong maker Rehan Ezri Morsinal, 26, said he learned to make the gong when he was a child but only started improving his skill seriously about three years ago.
“There are various types of gong – the kulintangan, canang, kuritikon and seludun, which vary according to function, shape, size and material used.
“The most difficult part about making the gong is shaping it to have a melodious sound.
“This requires expertise and continuous adjustment, even for small ones meant to be souvenirs,” he said.
Third-generation gong maker, Irena Arwish, 41, said the village welcomed outsiders who wanted to learn the skills.
“The ones we had before were not patient enough and gave up. Making the gong is not easy,” said the woman who has been practising the craft for 10 years.
