Birth of the Tangara (Part 2)

Written by H. Joplin Mosiun 

March 28, 2023

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Part 7 of the history and origins of the Penampang Kadazan.

In those days, communities were vigilant of wandering gangs. These groups were bands of warriors usually led by a warlord who had ties with those in control of the bigger territory. They would coerce and intimidate villagers into complying with their demands, using violence as a means of enforcement. As a result, the villagers were often subject to extortion and faced consequences for refusing to cooperate with the gang's demands.¹ 

Some communities had grown weary of the dire situation they were in. At this point in time, the Bangkaakon's grip on its territory was declining, and the people had started losing faith in the Huguan Siou. The Tangara, on the other hand, was garnering support by championing the cause of the communities that had fallen prey to merciless warlords and gangs. By this time, the followers of the Tangara adat had broken away from the Bangkaakon and established their own distinct faction, which came to be known as Tangara. 

Communities from the villages of Kurai (Kuai), Kandayon (Kandazon), Kotiduan (Kotiduvan) and Nelliu (Navahiu) were the Tangara's strongest proponents. Exceptional individuals, young men from the likes of Monsopiad, Manggung, Buntol, Binot and Dangkap, took it upon themselves to protect villagers from marauding gangs.² Among them, Monsopiad emerged as the most prominent one, who gained popularity after defeating many of the Bangkaakon's finest warriors, with his most notable triumph being over Gantang.

To be continued.

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Notes
1 Interview with Clara Motuyang at Kg. Maang in 2007.^↩
2 Interview with John Mansul at Kg. Terawi on 15 August 2005.^↩