The making of a Tamu

30 August 2024

By AVV

PENAMPANG: In the days of yore, when the mountain dwellers and the plains folk gathered, their meeting place was the Tamu—a vibrant traditional market where goods were exchanged and stories were shared.

One of the Tamu was at Kg Inobong, where the people from far flung areas had to walk to for days. The jungle path was treacherous, winding through dense foliage and over rugged terrain.

Along the way, weary travelers relied on humble rest stations, constructed from rough-hewn logs and thatched roofs, to regain their strength.

Occasionally, a solitary house would stand near the Tamu, offering shelter and warmth to those in need. These havens provided respite, where the scent of woodsmoke mingled with the sounds of laughter and conversation.

For many, the trek through the jungle could last several days, filled with both the challenges of the wild and the anticipation of the Tamuground, where vibrant colours and lively exchanges awaited.

The journey was not merely a passage through the wilderness; it was a pilgrimage of culture and community, culminating in the rich tapestry of life at the market.

Grace Francis 46, born and bred in Kg Inobong said she was told this tale by her parents and grandparents.

"I was told that there were huge trees here and the people cleared the land under these trees. They then put their wares on the ground shaded by the tree canopies above. There would be vendors from various far-flung villages, coming here to sell or barter their wares."

At times, visitors to the Tamu would settle on nearby land, claiming it for their homesteads. Young maidens often caught the attention of young men from distant villages, leading to marriages and new families in the area.

As time passed, the Tamu expanded, drawing larger crowds and creating a demand for more space. To accommodate this growth, thickets were cleared and trees were cut down.

Originally, the Tamu was a lush grassy field, but it was not without its challenges. Occasional floods would transform the landscape into a watery expanse, reminding everyone of nature's unpredictable power.

The Tamu vendors in Inobong numbering about 40 in all wished for a Tamu with fence, roof and concrete ground so they could sell their wares in comfort.

Under a special allocation under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooporative (MEDC), a new Tamu was built on the old site.

With a sturdy roof and well-fenced boundaries, the modern version of the Tamu boasts excellent toilet facilities, representing the culmination of generations of improvements. These enhancements reflect a deep commitment to creating a welcoming and functional space for all visitors, blending tradition with contemporary convenience.

Grace who sells cakes and all manners of sweet edibles said she was very happy to be selling her wares in the comfortable setting.

Vendor Mariana Rumbang, 66, expressed her deep familiarity with the Tamu, having grown up witnessing its evolution over the years. She sells fresh vegetables from her own garden and takes great pride in the improvements made to the Tamu grounds.

"It’s heartening to see how it has transformed," she said, reflecting on the blend of tradition and modernity that now characterizes the market.

Paulin Gumporo, 63, sells a variety of vegetables and banana piths, along with preserved delicacies like Bambangan.

She appreciates the new, tidy environment of the Tamu, which enhances the overall experience for both vendors and customers. Though she has been a vendor for just three years, she believes that this role can be economically viable and is optimistic about the opportunities it presents.

Fiona bozou, 38, a vendor from Putaton said her mother is a Tamu vendor and she used to follow her when she was small.

He mother sells edibles such as pre-cooked noodles among others.

Fiona said they were all grateful to be able to enjoy selling their wares in a comfortable surroundings.

MEDC Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick visited the newly built Tamu today.

During the event he accorded RM10,000 to the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Penampang District (PUKSDO) comprising members of the Inobong Tamu. The funds will go towards essentials for their stalls as well as shirts.

The vendors collectively thanked Ewon who is also Penampang Member of Parliament for his concern for them and his constant support and assistance to his constituents.