The female dancers' costume is called ‘Linambungan’, which comprises the ‘Kawal’, a long-sleeved black blouse with slits on the sleeves up to the elbows, paired with a long skirt known as ‘Tapi’. The uniqueness of this attire lies in the ‘Linangkit’ patterns, traditional woven designs found on the sleeves of the blouse and the edges of the skirt. It is accessorised with a ‘Sampilang’, a woven sash worn diagonally across the body to enhance the outfit's elegance.

The headpiece worn by female dancers consists of a combination of ‘Tuwou’  feathers (Sewah bird), ‘Silad’ leaves, long beaded fabric, and floral ornaments tucked into the dancer's bun. Additionally, female dancers wear a Salupai, a headdress made from beads tied around the forehead. Earrings, also made of beads, are known as ‘Sisingan’. For neck adornments, female dancers wear two accessories: a long beaded necklace called ‘Sisigot’ and a bell-adorned necklace known as ‘Karing’. Meanwhile, for the waist accessory, they wear a ‘Sinampila’, a belt made of metal fashioned into silver coin.

The musical instruments accompanying this dance include the Kulintangan ensemble and Gongs. Typically, six to seven gongs are played together during the performance.

The Mansayau dance consists of three main movement styles. The first, ‘Mogodod’, refers to a movement pattern where male and female dancers perform in pairs, rotating in circular formations, individually or collectively, in a large group. During this movement, the arms are extended outward. The second style, ‘Megsisiri’, involves lateral movements to the left and right while staying in place or transitioning to a new floor pattern. In this style, the arms are positioned at the sides while performing the side-to-side motions. Finally, ‘Sumayuk’ is a movement style where the body follows the rhythm of the gongs, serving as the foundational movement pattern of the Mansayau dance.

Nuar Salamat bin Jaimi. Persatuan Kebudayaan Murut Nabai Patikang Laut, Keningau. Kampung Patikang Laut, 89000 Keningau, Sabah.