The Tindabi's Curse
by H. Joplin Mosiun
August 13, 2023
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The Tindabi is a supernatural being, said to possess long, hanging breasts. Based on North Bornean legends, it manifests itself to the naked eye during a 'hujan panas'. In Maang folklore, the Tindabi is described as an old hag, that lived in a dark cave. Children are forewarned against playing late in the evenings, lest the Tindabi appear and whisk them away to its lair, where they would be fed with sand. The Tindabi believed it could nurse the children she had abducted, but its inability to lactate rendered this impossible.
She is known by various names, such as Tundabi, Naru Susu and Siwot Dalan, yet her narrative remained consistent. The term 'Tindabi' likely was coined due to the likeness of long hanging breasts to the long, elongated neck of the 'habi,' softshell turtles naturally found in rivers and streams. This word, I believe, is exclusive to the Penampang Kadazan. On the Crocker Range, the Bundu-Liwan communities refer to her as 'Siwot Dalan'.
One such encounter was attributed to my great grandfather who lived in Kg. Maang in Penampang. On one fine day, he went fishing at a stream at the edge of the forest. He stowed each catch in his Sinaging (a small rattan basket). His unwavering focus caused him to overlook the scene unfolding behind him. Unknown to him, a Tindabi had taken notice of his presence. Evidently enticed by a taste for fish, she adeptly pilfered the catch and consumed it.
It wasn't until the diminishing fish count in his basket caught his attention that he turned around, only to confront the Tindabi. The feeling of astonishment prompted him to spring to his feet and dash towards a nearby tree, which he quickly climbed.
She is known by various names, such as Tundabi, Naru Susu and Siwot Dalan, yet her narrative remained consistent. The term 'Tindabi' likely was coined due to the likeness of long hanging breasts to the long, elongated neck of the 'habi,' softshell turtles naturally found in rivers and streams. This word, I believe, is exclusive to the Penampang Kadazan. On the Crocker Range, the Bundu-Liwan communities refer to her as 'Siwot Dalan'.
One such encounter was attributed to my great grandfather who lived in Kg. Maang in Penampang. On one fine day, he went fishing at a stream at the edge of the forest. He stowed each catch in his Sinaging (a small rattan basket). His unwavering focus caused him to overlook the scene unfolding behind him. Unknown to him, a Tindabi had taken notice of his presence. Evidently enticed by a taste for fish, she adeptly pilfered the catch and consumed it.
It wasn't until the diminishing fish count in his basket caught his attention that he turned around, only to confront the Tindabi. The feeling of astonishment prompted him to spring to his feet and dash towards a nearby tree, which he quickly climbed.
After consuming the entire basket of fish, the Tindabi turned its gaze towards the tree where my great grandfather clung on for dear life. In a curious manner, she gestured for him to come down, even attempting to climb the tree herself, hindered by the very attribute that characterized her appearance: her obstructive breasts. The old hag might have felt an abrupt and intense yearning for the companionship of a man!
The Tindabi is deeply rooted in the Kadazandusun's imagination. However, in contrast, she has evolved from a figure once vilified and demonized. The Tindabi's long breast were likely associated with her beauty and sensuality she once possessed. Beyond a supernatural entity, she reveals a human essence, a solitary woman ostracised by society. She might have fallen victim to the transgressions of men.
It is possible that the legend of the Tindabi began with a mother who suffered the devastating loss of her child, resulting in her subsequent descent into madness and social exclusion. Her actions of abducting children, yet being unable to provide for them, speak of a shattered and fractured psyche. Within her, she carries the profound weight of sorrow and anguish, not only as a wronged woman but also as a bereaved mother, burdened by society's judgments and her own torment.
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