Borneo Headhunters

One of the bamboo houses at the Heritage Village is nicknamed “the Skull Hut,” and with good reason!

The Kadazandusun tribe of Borneo used to be headhunters. They would hang a collection of skulls (often embellished with seashells and animal bones) from the rafters of their houses.

These skull collections, aka bangkavans, would be handed down through generations. So even though headhunting stopped over 100 years ago, many bangkavans still exist.

The Kadazandusun people believe these skulls bring good fortune to those who own them. When owned by a family, bangkavan bring good fortune to the household. When kept in a communal building these skulls protect villagers from illness and bad luck.

The Sabah Muzium, therefore, invited tribal people to perform a special ceremony called a “Mensilad” when they installed the skull exhibit here.

And as Gwenda told us, “Every few years, they must have another ceremony. Otherwise, skulls create mischief. We don’t need their mischief.”Read more