“In the vibrant mosaic of Dusun Kujau culture, food isn't just about filling bellies; it's about nourishing connections and fostering communal bonds. Known as ‘takanon’ in the Dusun language, meals are treasured moments of coming together, sharing not only food but also stories, laughter and love.”

In Keramaian: Takanon, Jasper Junior celebrates food, tradition and human connection through the figure of a woman in traditional dress, offering a pot of soup at a festive gathering. Jasper tells us this is a scene from the village of Kg. Patikang Ulu, Keningau. The Dusun Kajau are one of 79 KadazanDusun ethnic communities in Sabah, who mostly live in Keningau district in Sabah. Boasting no less than three himpogot, or money belts made of “British” silver trade dollars typical of KadazanDusun wear, this woman’s costume is distinguished by the styling of the bands along the collar and join of her blouse, which includes bells sewn on, and four key Dusun Kujau motifs in linangkit (an intricate needlework technique used by communities in west and north Sabah): Maya Kusai Mingkakat, Titiu Suluh/Cahaya, Miu’untuun Tondu, Miu’untuun. The Miu’untuun motif, with four white squares surrounding a red square against blue, is said to signify unity and integrity, and especially used for community gatherings and activities.

There is as much significance and detail in what is in the pot she is holding, which may seem unfamiliar to outsiders. Jasper tells us this is "manuk sinamazan tivak puntih", or, more familiarly “pusas” – chicken cooked with banana shoots, often eaten with traditional tapai rice wine.

The judges noted that it is the relationship between these two elements of shared tradition – festive dress, a special dish – that provides the draw and strength of the work’s narrative, setting a context of the warmth and hospitality of village life. Jasper aptly describes his protagonist’s role like this: “Through the act of sharing food, she weaves threads of kinship.”