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A Bobohizan (Tangaa' Kadazan term) or Bobolian (Bundu Liwan Dusun term) is a high priestess, a ritual specialist and a spirit medium in the pagan rites of the Kadazan-Dusun in Sabah, Malaysia.[1][2] The head of bobohizan or bobolian, is also the chief preserver of Momolianism, i.e. the philosophy and way of life of the Kadazan-Dusun people.[3]
One of the primary roles of a bobohizan is to appease the rice spirit Bambaazon (referred to as Bambarayon in different districts of Sabah) during harvest festival of Kaamatan.[4] During the event, she will lead a procession of people from her village through the paddy field under the full moon, to give thanks and to seek a bountiful harvest for the rice-cultivating Kadazan-Dusun people.[5] A Bobohizan also plays a role as a mediator between the spirits and the people.[1][6] One of the commonest duties of a Bobohizan is to heal and cure illnesses with herbal remedies and rites.[7][8]
- ^ a b Hussin 2003, p. 15.
- ^ Gin 2017, p. 90.
- ^ Zaenuddin et al. 2015, pp. 33 & 34.
- ^ Zaenuddin et al. 2015, p. 33.
- ^ Lim, Louisa (6 June 2009). "The last of the shamans". The Star. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
- ^ Baritus Gungkit 2016, p. 7.
- ^ Hussin 2003, p. 23.
- ^ Dainal 2019, p. 24.
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