Tracing the Origins of the Kadazan-Dusun People: A Historical and Anthropological Study in Sabah

This study examines the origins of the Kadazan-Dusun people in Sabah through a historical and anthropological lens, synthesizing early colonial writings, linguistic evidence, and contemporary ethnographic research. It explores how migration theories, oral traditions, and cultural practices contribute to understanding their ethnogenesis. By reviewing both classical accounts and modern scholarship, the study highlights the complexity of Kadazan-Dusun identity formation and the challenges in tracing a singular origin. The research also identifies gaps in interdisciplinary integration and proposes a synthesis-based methodological approach to reconcile historical narratives with anthropological findings.