Kanda’vai Fabric Inspired by Sabah Cultures by Changgih Designs

Kanda'vai is a storytelling fabric that brings together motifs inpsired by three different indigeneuos communities in Sabah. The Rungus, the Murut Tahol, and the Dusun Tanggara Kuijou. Each motif carries its own meaning, yet together they form a single narrative about dreams, balance, and the journey of life.

This fabric was created for those who appreciate culture beyond surface beauty. For those who value meaning, intention, and stories that travel across time and place.

This is a pattern called Kanda'vai. 
It is a pattern from the Dusun Tanggara-Kuijou ethnic group in Membakut, Sabah, Malaysia.
Source: Asdih, Sabah Museum.
Confirmed by: Puan Lucian Mudim, owner of Dusun Tanggara-Kuijou Membakut traditional clothing.

The Kanda'vai motif

Inspired by the Dusun Tanggara Kuijou Community

The name Kanda’vai comes from a traditional motif of the Dusun Tanggara Kuijou community of Membakut. The word Kanda’vai refers to a stork, a bird long associated with travel, distance, and the freedom of the sky.

According to oral traditions and cultural references preserved by the community, women of the past would often spend their afternoons weaving linangkit together. In those quiet moments, they shared stories and dreams of seeing the world beyond their villages. Inspired by the stork that journeys far and wide, they chose to translate these aspirations into their woven patterns.

This motif became a reflection of hope. A reminder that dreams, when embroidered with determination and patience, can rise high and reach beyond what once seemed distant.

At Changgih Designs, Kanda’vai was chosen as the name of this fabric due to a deep personal connection within our team. We hope that everyone who wears Kanda’vai carries the same spirit of exploration, courage, and belief in their own journey.

This is a pattern called Tinutub. It is a pattern from the Rungus ethnic group in Sabah, Malaysia.
Source: Inulisan Sasam, Kampung Tinangol, Kudat.

The Tinutub Motif

Inspired by the Rungus Community

The Tinutub motif originates from the Rungus community and carries the meaning of closed. Its design features lines that appear to open and close in a rhythmic pattern, symbolising balance and completion.

In traditional embroidery, the act of closing a motif holds great significance. Threads may be left open when work is paused, but they must be properly closed when the embroidery is completed. There are specific techniques used depending on whether the weaver intends to return to the work or bring it to a final end.

This is a pattern called Sinusuh. It is a pattern from the Murut Tahol ethnic group in Sabah, Malaysia.
Source: Evolusi Pakaian Tradisi Etnik Sabah Jilid 1, Page 129, Joanna Datuk Kitingan.

The Sinusuh Motif

Inspired by the Murut Tahol Community

The Sinusuh motif originates from the Murut Tahol community of Sabah. This triangular shaped design is repeated to form long continuous lines and is often used as the base for other motifs, including one known as Pinongkoloh.

Traditionally created using two adjacent colours in beadwork, such as yellow and orange, Sinusuh is admired for its simplicity and elegance. Its form allows it to be embroidered even by those with limited experience, making it a widely used and accessible motif within Murut Tahol decorative traditions.

In the Kanda’vai fabric, the Sinusuh motif represents continuity and structure. It connects the different cultural elements of the design, reinforcing the idea that strength often lies in simplicity and repetition.

A Fabric That Carries Meaning Forward

Kanda’vai is more than a fabric. It is a meeting point of cultures, stories, and shared human aspirations. By reinterpreting traditional motifs through contemporary digital printing on cotton and rayon, Changgih Designs allows these stories to live on in a form that are breathable, wearable, and relevant to modern life.

This fabric is created for those who wear it with intention. For those who feel connected to culture, curious about its origins, respectful of its roots, and proud to carry its meaning into the world.

When you wear Kanda’vai, you do not simply wear a Sabah pattern. You wear a story of dreams that dare to fly.