THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURE AND CUSTOMS IN THE PRODUCTION OF HANDCRAFTS IN SABAH

This article discusses the importance of culture and customs in the production of handicrafts in Sabah. The population density in the state of Sabah which consists of approximately 41 ethnic groups and ethnic sub-groups that use almost 50 languages and speak them in 80 dialects, have different religions and traditional customs make it a state with its own special features. In addition, the plurality of ethnicities in Sabah also makes the state rich in various art treasures of cultural heritage. The importance of the culture and customs of various ethnicities in Sabah can be seen through the production of various handicrafts with artistic characteristics that symbolize the ethnic identity. Therefore, the discussion in this paper is focused on the extent of the importance of culture and customs in the production of ethnic handicrafts in Sabah. The writing of this article is one of the efforts to appreciate the production of various handicrafts that are closely related to the culture and customs that have been inherited by the various ethnic communities in Sabah. The rapid advancement of technology nowadays has had an impact on the heritage art of handicrafts in Sabah. Therefore, the writing of this article will produce an analysis that can be used as a reference to improve or formulate better policies, especially in matters that benefit the conservation of the art of handcraft heritage so that it continues to last and can be inherited by the young generation in Sabah in the future.