Monuments to the Childless

When a Kadazan couple died without having children, a wooden monument like this was placed on their land. With no children to pass the land to, their nearest kin could see this monument (aka sininggazonak) and use it to claim the property as their own.

It was also forbidden for Kadazan women to claim property and belongings of their husband after his death.

The Sininggazonak monuments are long lasting because they are made from a jungle hardwood. The one shown here dates to 1965. It seems to be a symbol of the Sabah Muzium.Read more