Datu Botulung and the Bangkaakon

Written by H. Joplin Mosiun 

March 22, 2023

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Part 3 of the history and origins of the Penampang Kadazan.

It is not clear what transpired on the Crocker Range but the Tagahas might have experienced a rebellion from some of its members. The Tagahas held the belief that their forefathers were led astray in the hills by those that became the Tangara.¹ Disagreements, rivalry and competition were some of the factors that caused certain factions to conspire against their counterparts. The dissidents left the main pack and aligned themselves with the Bangkaakon in Sugud. 

Botulung, possibly the leader of the Tagahas rebels, helped the Bangkaakon defend themselves against the Crocker Range Tagahas and the Tombunan tribes.² The Tagahas at that time were adept in warfare in the jungles and mountainous terrains. This gave them an advantage over the lowland tribes.

Botulung may have been Sabah's first-ever known pole vaulter. Dating back to ancient times, pole vaulting was a technique employed during warfare to overcome both man-made obstacles such as walls, as well as natural barriers. According to legend, Botulung was able to propel himself in an upward trajectory using a long pole, which he reportedly used to pursue his enemies on hill slopes. 

He was known to have remarkable athleticism, capable of jumping over longhouses and enemy forts. His agility proved invaluable in enabling him to evade traps with ease. Among the warriors of that era were Tambalang, Butod and others, all renowned for their exceptional strength and dexterity, particularly in traversing the hilly terrain. It is worth noting, like Botulung, Butod belonged to the Tagahas tribe.³ 

Botulung commanded warriors of various households to war. Being the Kapala do Susumangod⁴ of the Bangkaakon, he was a military strategist who made notable contributions to the alliance's successes since its inception. His exceptional aptitude in warfare earned him the title Huguan Siou, which means a brave and indomitable leader. He was able to gain the trust and admiration of the people. 

To be continued.

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Notes
1 Earlier this year (2023), my co-sister-in-law Sabina, who is from Kiulu in Tuaran, shared with me a popular tale that was passed down to her by her mother. Interestingly, the story had already been documented by Shim Phyau Soon in 2007 and published in his book. However, I plan to present the story from a fresh perspective.^↩
2 Interview with Sibius Kaahin at Kg. Tinduuzon, Sugud in 2012. I had previously thought that Botulung belonged to the Bangkaak community, but Sibius corrected me on this matter. As it turns out, when Botulung arrived in Sugud, the Bangkaakon had only recently been established. Botulung himself was a Tuhun Takad (Tagahas) and not a Bangkaak.^↩
3 Interview with Michael Staun at Kg. Babah in 2012. Sugud's early warriors Tambalang and Butod were known to be strong and fast runners in the hills and were highly competitive individuals. However, they hated each other's guts.^↩
4 Military leader or war leader^↩