Suluk Arts

Arts:

DALING-DALING DANCE

This dance is famous among the Suluk community from the east coast of Sabah, Semporna. The Suluk or Sea Bajau is seafaring people in this part of the world’s most beautiful beaches and the renowned Sipadan Island.

It is a Suluk love story between the Prince and Princess of Bohey Dulang. A beautiful and lively courting dance called ’Daling-Daling (derived from the English word Darling). The Prince seems to do the ‘Silat (Malay martial art) to woo his sweetheart! This dance is usually performed during festivals, wedding ceremonies and also used to welcome guests.

The Princess wears full custom accessories from head to toe; the Crown called ‘Mahkota’, long finger nails called ‘Janggal’ and a Sash or Shawal known as ‘Sablai’. Whereas the Prince wear a distinct tall headdress called ‘Tengolok’

Suluk tribe also known as Tausūgs are experienced sailors and are known for their colourful boats or vintas. They are  superb warriors and craftsmen. 

A traditional attire by the Suluk ethnic group 

Pis Siyabit (or simply Pis) is a Tausug woven head-cloth made from cotton or silk (or with gold threads) characterized with intricate geometric patterns of colors segmented into the smallest squares, triangles and diamonds. It is a multi-purpose head-wear that may be worn on the shoulder, tied around the hilt of the kris (sword) or wrapped around the head used by Tausug men usually as a sign of rank.