Dollhouse earns pretty title

KOTA KINABALU: It is a “dollhouse” of sorts, suitable for people of all ages, featuring 300 dolls wearing Sabah’s great variety of traditional costumes.

Chanteek Borneo, a museum that started in 2014 for visitors to get a glimpse of the “Little World of Sabah”, is located in Tamparuli.

The exhibits, which are dressed in native costumes, are depicted in “scenes” in which they perform traditional rituals or go about a daily routine.

On Friday, the museum was recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records for being the first of its kind in the country.

Canteek Borneo owner, Anne Antah, said: “Even though the museum exhibits are in a miniature form, the exhibits were delicately handcrafted to resemble the actual costume designs.”

However, she noted that the costumes might differ according to district or village, as well as changing times.

As for the recognition by Malaysia Book of Records, she said this would not only add prestige and value to the tourism industry in Sabah but also allow visitors to get more information on Sabah’s diverse cultures.

Political secretary to the Chief Minister, Jo-Anna Sue Henley Rampas, who was present at the Friday ceremony, said the recognition would not only attract more tourists, but would also encourage entrepreneurs to think out of the box.

“This gallery is operated by locals. And the fact that they want to promote our heritage and Sabah’s unique cultures to the world through a gallery is something to be proud of,” she said.

She said the gallery was “technology operated” in which visitors would sign in via a social media application – WeChat – instead of the usual guest book.

“This resonates with young people as everyone is on their phone almost all the time now,” Rampas said.

She said information on the costumes such as the ethnicity and district that they represent is available via a QR code.

Source: The Star Online