By Ray Bull
PAPAR: At 16, when most teenagers are still focused on student life, Rafael David Johnny has chosen to spend part of his time understanding and documenting Sabah’s cultural heritage.
Rafael, who is from Kampung Biau, Papar, said his interest in culture began when he was eight. It later grew through his involvement in cultural activities, Kaamatan and Unduk Ngadau.
From merely helping with event management, he was later entrusted with managing Unduk Ngadau and Randawi Tavantang Kaamatan for two years.
According to Rafael, the experience gave him the opportunity to mentor candidates, who went on to clinch the top two spots in the village-level Unduk Ngadau and second place in the school-level Hangai-Hangai Kaamatan in Papar district.
Most recently, that interest took him from Papar to Kota Marudu to take part in the Unduk Ngadau Judging Workshop as one of the youngest participants.
Rafael admitted he was excited and a little nervous because most of the participants were more experienced. However, he saw the opportunity as a chance to step out of his comfort zone and learn from those with more experience.
“I want to learn how Unduk Ngadau judging can be carried out more properly, fairly and professionally,” he said.
For Rafael, understanding culture does not stop at taking part in events. He is now conducting research on Sabah ethnic attire, including the patterns and meaning behind each costume. He is also working on a book documenting ethnic attire in Sabah.
He said time with friends and free time sometimes had to be sacrificed for his research. However, he sees the experience as knowledge he will carry into adulthood.
The workshop organisers described Rafael’s dedication as proof that age is no barrier to learning, creating and contributing to one’s own heritage.
According to the organisers, Rafael is not only active in traditional dance, Unduk Ngadau and Kaamatan, but has also begun thinking about how cultural heritage can be documented and passed on to the next generation.
Rafael said he wants to continue to deepen his knowledge in Sabah culture and heritage, including considering studies in anthropology and ethnography.
He said his goal is to help research, document and preserve the culture, customs, attire, language and traditions of Sabah communities.
“Culture is not just something we inherit from our ancestors, but something we are responsible for passing on to the next generation,” he said.
