Berian/Barian Perkahwinan Bajau Kota Belud di Sabah: Satu Tinjauan Dini.

Advertising a bride's wealth during marriage ceremonies is not new. The custom has been practiced amongst most traditional cultures in the world. Various interpretations have been ascribed to this practice, it has been considered a dowry, a form of compensation, or a payment made in the form of money or material goods. In addition to uniting a man and a woman, these exchanges also convey symbolic meanings understood only by the people who practice that particular culture. Whatever form of bridewealth a marriage demands, the practice remains an important aspect of most cultures as it normally conveys the status of the individual's concerned. Therefore, this paper considers the significance of bridewealth as an expression of social status among the Bajau of Kota Belud district, Sabah where the practice of giving and receiving 'berian' is still widely employed. This study was conducted in three villages, namely Taun Gusi, Timbang Dayang and Kulambai using the participant-observer method of interviews with respondents, but also by filming engagement ceremonies. This study claims that each asking and giving of 'berian' is an important transaction that needs to be concluded before a marriage is contracted. If disagreements arise in the asking and giving process, the impending engagement and marriage of the couple with be jeopardised, and potentially upsets the delicate social balance between the two families involved. Therefore, this article also considers the forms of identity that are linked to Bajau marriage customs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]