Rakatam
by the Community of Dusun Minokok, Keningau
The weaver draws inspiration from the vivid life of the river, where crabs scuttle, climb, and maneuver with remarkable precision and rhythm. Fascinated by their intricate movements, delicate forms, and the natural patterns they create along the riverbanks and among rocks, the artist has chosen to make these aquatic creatures the central motif of their weaving.
Through careful observation and thoughtful interpretation, each thread becomes a means of translating the crabs’ energy, texture, and fluidity into a visual language. The repeated patterns echo the rhythm of their legs, the symmetry of their shells, and the subtle interplay of shadow and light across their exoskeletons. In doing so, the weaver not only celebrates the natural beauty of the river ecosystem but also emphasizes the profound interconnectedness between humans and their environment.
This creative choice transforms a simple, everyday encounter with river life into an enduring work of art. By embedding the essence of the crabs into the weave, the artist invites viewers to engage with the subtle wonders of nature, to appreciate its forms, movements, and mysteries, and to reflect on the intricate balance of life along the river’s edge. The weaving thus becomes a tribute to both the creatures that inhabit the waterways and the cultural imagination that allows nature to inspire enduring artistic expression.
About the Community
The Dusun Minokok are one of the subgroups within the wider Dusun ethnic family in Sabah, with communities primarily found in the Keningau district. Like many Dusun groups, the Minokok maintain deep ancestral ties to the land, living in close relationship with the forests, rivers, and agricultural landscapes that shape their daily life.
Their culture carries the hallmarks of Dusunic heritage—strong communal bonds, a rich oral tradition, and a worldview rooted in respect for nature and the spiritual realm. Traditional knowledge, including farming practices, forest harvesting, and craftsmanship, continues to be passed down through generations, keeping cultural memory alive even as modern influences grow.
The Minokok language variety, though related to other Dusun dialects, carries its own nuances in vocabulary and expression, reflecting the community’s unique identity within the broader cultural mosaic of Sabah. Music, dance, and seasonal rituals remain important markers of community life, offering moments to honour ancestors, celebrate harvests, and reinforce shared values.
Today, while many Dusun Minokok individuals move between rural and urban settings for education and work, efforts to preserve their cultural roots remain strong. Their traditions, values, and heritage continue to contribute to the rich diversity of Keningau and the cultural tapestry of Sabah as a whole.
About the Artists
This group of Dusun Minokok women artists — Emily Binti Jeneble, Linih Binti Barah, Memi Petrus, Julimah Kalugu, Rut Insu, Yadia Emok, Asinih Barah, Rajia Emok, Julianah Yayup, Alita Marot, and Buntong Kalugu — represents the creative strength and cultural heritage of their community in Keningau.
Their work draws from traditional knowledge passed down through generations, using natural materials and motifs inspired by the land, daily life, and ancestral stories. Together, they preserve and celebrate Minokok identity through their craft, ensuring that their cultural traditions continue to thrive and be shared with wider audiences.