Posts Tagged ivory

Called weapons of the people of Aceh, in addition to guns and firearms, the most famous is Rencong. In fact, one of Aceh’s land title is also known as the “Land of  Rencong.”

Rencong or reuncong some are called, are traditional weapons of the people of Aceh. Aceh has the form of Rencong like letter [L] or more precisely like calligraphy mention the name. Rencong included in the category of dagger or knife .

Historically, rencong have levels. First, rencong used by the king or sultan. Rencong is usually made of ivory (sheath) and pure gold (the dagger). Second, the sheath rencong rencong-usual made of buffalo horn or wood, while the dagger of brass or white metal. In general, there are four types of weapons rencong which became the mainstay of society in Aceh. (more…)

Due to a longer dry season, forest areas in this region is not so fertile than those in the northern part of the Maluku islands, causing a very intensive activity on their soil treatment systems planted with rice, cassava, and other crops, especially in rural areas. In addition to farming some people Tanimbar also connect with the ways of life at sea fishing or hunting wild boar.

Ethnic Tanimbar does not put  a contradiction between their native culture with the Christian culture which is known officially. With the Dutch military expedition, Catholic and Protestant missionaries to convert the population of the archipelago on 20-year fixed Tanimbar as Tradisi maintained through relationships and alliances between villages and marriage. In general, the tribe Tanimbar socially oriented to the villagers and family members.

Village unity is symbolized in a ship-shaped stone. On formal occasions, such as traditional dance party, position and status of a person seen from the seating position of the placement of this symbolic vessel. Competition between families or between villages, no longer disclosed by way of hunting human heads or civil war, but are represented through the complex traditions and rituals involve the exchange of valuables, marriage alliances, and rivalries between Catholic and Protestant churches. (more…)