THE CULTURE AND CUSTOM OF THE MURUT ETHNIC THE MARRIAGE CUSTOM

INTRODUCTION

The Murut ethnic that are mostly in Sabahinterior live in longhouses that each accommodates 10 to 20 families. Normally they are farmers, hunters and fishermen, as well as collect jungle produce like rattan, resin and honey. In yesteryears they practiced animism but nowadays they are Christians or Moslems.

THE MARRIAGE CUSTOM

Marriage for this ethnic is famous for the custom of barian sampai mati(dowry till death). The man is compulsory to pay marriage dowry to the girl side till his death even though he is already married with children. If debacle befalls on the wife family then the husband is compelled to help by giving suitable equipment. Owning a Murut girl means the man side has to fulfill the barian claim from the wife family as they have the right to claim whatever barian at any time.