THE CONCEPT AND THE SPACE DESIGN OF BAJAU LAUT TRADITIONAL HOUSE

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Zaimie Sahibil

Abstract

The Sea Bajau(s) is one of the earliest known communities inhabiting the coastal areas and islands of Sabah. They practice the traditional way of life and live in various traditional houses that are unique to their community. Samal is the language spoken by the Sea Bajau(s) who are mainly fishermen and whose source of living comes from the sea. This research explores the concept and use of space in Sea Bajau traditional houses in the coastal areas and islands of Sabah, in particular, the villages around Kudat and Semporna. The focus is on the concept, creative composition in relations to the process of building a traditional Sea Bajau(s) house in detail. The process in building a traditional house is tightly woven into the customs, cultural practices and religion of the Sea Bajau(s). The ceremonies or rituals involved in the process reaffirm the belief that it functions as a guide to goodness and well-being. The Sea Bajau house concept is unique and different from other traditional houses in Sabah because of its evolvement from different stages. From houseboats to houses above the water and then a house on the land, the Sea Bajau(s) houses have evolved through three stages that will also be documented in this paper.


 


Keywords: Samal language, concept, creative composition, the customs, cultural practices, religion, rituals, house concept, traditional house and the Sea Bajau.

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