Sacred Natural Sites in the Face of Global Changes: A Case Study of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

• 영문명: Sacred Natural Sites in the Face of Global Changes: A Case Study of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
• 발행기관: 세계문화관광학회
• 저자명: Christy Bidder
• 간행물 정보: 『International Journal of Culture and tourism Research』Vol.15 No.1, 22~32쪽, 전체 11쪽
• 주제분류: 사회과학 > 관광학
• 파일형태: PDF
• 발행일자: 2022.12.30

영문 초록

Many indigenous communities worldwide assign special recognition to natural places and designate them sacred sites. There are various reasons for the sacredness of natural sites, including places where deities and ancestral spirits reside, where physical and nonphysical healings can occur, where humankind can contact the spiritual entity, and where revelation and transformation can occur. However, many sacred natural sites are susceptible to threats, particularly those related to modernization and globalization. Based on this background, this study sought to examine the status of the sacredness of Mount Kinabalu, located on the island of Borneo, by analyzing the traditional cultural and spiritual values of the indigenous Dusun, who consider the mountain sacred. Specifically, it attempted to answer three research questions: Is Mount Kinabalu still considered a sacred mountain by the Dusun today? How have modernization and globalization impacted the sacredness of Mount Kinabalu? Whatever the impact is, what should be done about it? The study compared the older and the younger Dusun in their responses to gain deeper insights into these questions. The study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design. It used questionnaires to collect data from the Dusun living in two principal villages at the foot of Mount Kinabalu. Data from 381 completed questionnaires were analyzed using percentages and mean scores. The key results showed a decline of traditional cultural and spiritual values among the younger Dusun, which might further mean they no longer ascribed a spiritual significance to Mount Kinabalu as the older Dusun did. The decline could negatively impact biodiversity conservation and the community's ethnic identity, lifestyles, and rights. The study concluded with a suggestion on responses to the change.

키워드

Sacred Natural Sites Indigenous Communities Spiritual Relationships Malaysia Mount Kinabalu