Changes in the Use of Sago Masks in the Kaul Serahang Kakan Ritual in Mukah, Sarawak

The Kaul Festival is a festival rich in traditions, arts, and cultures of the Melanau community in Mukah, Sarawak. The main aspect of the Kaul Festival is the Serahang Kakan Kaul Ritual event, which is the event of offerings to Ipok, which is a cleansing ritual carried out to receive blessings and safety for the community. The usage of ‘Topeng Sagu’ (sago mask) is one of the symbols of the event for ceremonial purposes and posesses high aesthetic value in the culture of the Melanau community. However, with the changes of time and significant increased of modern influence, the function and role of the Melanau sago mask has undergone changes. The objective of this study is to identify the use and changes of the sago masks usage in the Kaul Serahang Kakan Ritual. This research uses an ethnographic approach to obtain necessary data. This research was conducted in Mukah over a period of seven days. The ethnographical approach that are used consists of field studies and literature studies. The field study conducted are to obtain data such as observations, participations and interviews. Observational and participatory methods were used to ensure that the data collected were appropriate for the study. The interview method uses a semi-structured interview technique by interviewing some traditional practitioners and seniors whom are the authoritative figure in the Melanau community. Bibliographic research such as journals, books and printed reports are used to support this research as a secondary material. Primary and secondary data need to undergo a screening process which uses thematic analysis techniques to obtain the correct data accordingly. The results of the study discovered that the Melanau community still celebrates the Kaul Serahang Kakan Ritual ceremony and the use of the Sago Mask are still practiced but there occured changes regarding its use. Currently this ritual not only unites the Melanau community, but also unites various other communities who wishes to share the enjoyment. Kaul Serahang Kakan Ritual has also become a platform to generate their economy and elevate Mukah as a heritage tourism destination. Therefore, this research are expected to be a contribution of knowledge to the young generation of Melanau regarding their customs and identity of the Melanau community. The efforts of preserving and documenting the culture of the Melanau community should be continued as national heritage.