In the Sumayau performance, dancers wear traditional attire, typically consisting of dark or black garments accented with embroidery in gold and bright red or reddish-brown tones. The men’s traditional outfit, known as Rinapa’an or Kirinapa’an do Suang Lotud, includes a set of clothing referred to as Sukob, which features intricate motif designs on the sleeves and chest. This attire is paired with the Mugah, a handwoven sarong. For the headpiece, male dancers wear a Sundi, a woven cloth styled into a headdress. Completing the ensemble is the Sandai, a handwoven sash draped diagonally across the body, adding a distinctive and elegant touch to the attire.

Next, the mandatory accessories worn by male dancers consist of six types:

1. Karoh – A long necklace made from strands of beads, shells, and wood.

2. Bubu Tulan – A belt crafted from silver.

3. Botungkat – A belt made of silver-based coins.

4. Supuh – A spherical silver ornament worn on the left side of the Bubu Tulan.

5. Tatarapan – A kris (traditional dagger) made of silver.

6. Simpai – A bracelet made of silver.

On the other hand, female dancers wear an outfit known as Rinapa’an do Milamak. This ensemble consists of a Sukob Kopio, a long-sleeved blouse, paired with a Gonob Sinugitan, and a short skirt, both in black and adorned with vibrant embroidery. The attire is further complemented by a Sandai, a three-meter-long sash that is either wrapped around the body or draped over the shoulders. Distinct from the male attire, female dancers wear a specially sewn sash called Kuluwu, which is attached to the end of the fabric. The Kuluwu serves as a head covering or is gracefully placed over the right hand as an ornamental accessory.

The mandatory accessories worn by female dancers consist of nine types:

1. Linangkit – A geometric motif adorning the Gonob (skirt).

2. Siwot – A head ornament inserted into the hair bun, often worn by brides.

3. Sigar – A circular headpiece decorated with gold strips and red rattan loops.

4. Karoh – A necklace made from a combination of beads, glass, shells, and cone-shaped wooden pieces.

5. Mandapun – A necklace crafted from red fabric adorned with gold pieces.

6. Lilimbo – A decorative belt made of rattan.

7. Botungkat – A belt made from silver-based coins.

8. Simpai – A silver bracelet typically worn above the elbow.

9. Lasung – An anklet made of silver.

Typically, the musical instruments accompanying this dance include drums and five types of gongs: Naananagon, Haahambatan, Kuukulimpon, Tootongan, and Taatavag. The beats of the gongs and drums are combined to create the accompaniment for the Sumayau performance.

The Sumayau performance is traditionally led by a Momolian, an elderly woman highly knowledgeable in ritual ceremonies. As the music begins, the dancers gracefully enter the dance arena. The hand movements of the female dancers synchronize with the rhythm of the music, while their footwork is deliberate and performed at a slow, measured pace. Meanwhile, the male dancers enhance the performance by producing rhythmic sounds with bells, known as Giring in the Lotud dialect. The dance becomes slightly more animated when the audience responds with applause, adding to the overall vibrancy of the performance.

Mazizy J. Lomodi. (30 Tahun). Limbanak Village, 89650 Penampang, Sabah. 12 October 2024.