Duang ~ Sabah Traditional Lid

Colorful Duang

If your are in Sabah, be sure to drop by Kota Belud and go to its famous weekly Tamu, a traditional open air market of Sabah.  This is a venue where local traders gather and sell their products.  In Tamu Kota Belud, you will experience a kaleidoscope sights, sounds and smells. Lots of colorful and attractive local products vary in sizes and patterns will catch your eyes and make you want to bring it home.

Local traders selling Duang in Tamu Kota Belud

One of the popular products in Tamu Kota Belud is Duang lid that is commonly used to cover food laid on a table.  Duang lid is a traditional product crafts by the Bajau ethnic of Kota Belud, Sabah.  It is weaved from serdang leaves, coconut leaves, pine leaves and bamboo.  Some Duang lids from serdang leaves are also coated with velvet.  Bamboo is usually used to formed the framework of a Duang.  Processed pine leaves are dyed and woven to produce the Duang.  Once completed, patterns are designed and colored with the desired colors.  

In the old days, Duang is used by the Bajau Kota Belud as a tray to put in cooked food and exchange them with neighbors during Eid celebration.  It is similar to exchange of gifts during Christmas.  This tradition of exchanging food in a Duang is known as 'Ngeduang'.  Through this tradition, the Bajau Kota Belud is able to strengthen family bond and unite the community.  However, this tradition is diminishing and only few villages in Kota Belud such as Kampung Labuan, Kampung Tanjung Pasir and Kampung Kuala Abai still practicing this tradition.   

Duang in different patterns and designs.

You can get a small size Duang (5"x3.5") at RM10.00 and RM15.00 for large size (20"x14").  It is cheaper in Tamu Kota Belud but you can still get it from Gaya Street, an open market located in Kota Kinabalu.