The Bangkaakon and the Deforestation of Sago Forests

Written by H. Joplin Mosiun 

March 13, 2023

Dear reader, please acknowledge or cite the blog and author of the article if you wish to use any information on this site. Cheers!

Part 2 of the history and origins of the Penampang Kadazan.

Vast swaths of the Putatan plains were covered in sago forests. Deforestation began instantly as more groups began arriving and it did not take a long time to clear the sago palm from large tracts of land. In the absence of rice, sago provided sustenance and building materials for houses. 

In those days, communal living was customary, and the preferred type of dwelling was the longhouse. The early settlers built their settlements along hills and near a water source such as a river, stream or spring. The longhouse provided shelter and protection against headhunting parties.

As a result of their reliance on sago and the necessity for land to cultivate rice, they ventured into new areas. The swampy condition of the sago forests made them viable for wet-rice cultivation. The clearing of sago forests and conversion into paddy fields led to the emergence of new settlements throughout the countryside, which gradually coalesced into villages over time. From Sugud, the territory of the Bangkaakon extends to Pogunon and Bantayan to the north, and Kinarut and Kawang to the south.

Contact with communities along the Putatan coast made the Bangkaakon aware of rice's potential as a traded commodity. Deforested areas that were left barren, were turned into paddy fields. The Bangkaakon traded their rice with the Bajau at Putatan for salt, salted dried fish and other marine products. The Chinese on the other hand introduced contrivances for the production of rice and the Bangkaakon took full advantage of these implements. 

There was probably a demand for rice among the coastal communities and seafaring groups like the Suluk and Bajau. On the other hand, slavery was prevalent, especially on the coast. The traditions and customs of the Bangkaakon occasionally demanded the offering of a slave. 

Typically, rice and other agricultural products were exchanged with the Suluks for slaves, weapons, textiles, brass articles and pottery. The need to meet those demands likely drove the Bangkaakon to secure more land. As they worked to establish a monopoly on rice trading along the coast, they grew more accustomed to accumulating wealth. 

To be continued.