UPACARA MENGHANTARKAN ARWAH SUKU DAYAK - RITUAL TIWAH

Summary

This video delves into the unique and sacred Tiwah ritual from the Dayak people of Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The Tiwah is a post-death ceremony meant to guide the spirits of the deceased to the afterlife, ensuring they reach their final destination without causing disruptions in the living world. The ritual involves the exhumation, cleaning, and proper disposal of bones, accompanied by elaborate rituals, offerings, and animal sacrifices. It also explores the social and cultural significance of the ceremony, its costs, and how it strengthens community bonds. The Tiwah is a testament to the rich traditions of the Dayak tribe, revered as part of Indonesia's intangible cultural heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Tiwah ceremony is a sacred post-death ritual performed by the Dayak people of Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, to guide the spirits of the deceased to the afterlife.
• 😀 Tiwah is also known by other names such as Siwah Lale and Magasa Lumpuk, and it is an important cultural and spiritual practice for the Dayak Ngaju people who follow the Kaharingan religion.
• 😀 The ceremony involves the exhumation and cleansing of bones, which are then placed in a special wooden structure called a 'sandung' to honor the deceased and ensure their peaceful transition to the afterlife.
• 😀 Tiwah is not only a spiritual ritual but also a social and moral obligation, with families required to perform it to prevent spiritual disturbances like illness, crop failure, or other misfortunes.
• 😀 The cost of the Tiwah ceremony can range from 50 to 100 million rupiah, making it a costly event. However, if the family cannot afford it, the community often comes together to help fund the ceremony.
• 😀 The ceremony typically lasts between 7 to 40 days and is held after the rice harvest season, as this is a time when people are less busy with agricultural activities and have food reserves.
• 😀 During the Tiwah, a variety of sacred rituals are performed, including offerings, music, dance, and animal sacrifices like buffaloes and pigs to honor the deceased and ensure a smooth journey to the afterlife.
• 😀 The preparation for Tiwah involves building several sacred structures such as the 'Balai Tiwah' (a small house for the bones) and the 'Sangkaraya' (a bamboo structure for dances and rituals).
• 😀 The Tiwah ritual includes specific roles such as the 'Bakas Tiwah' (ceremony leader) and the 'Anak Tiwah' (helpers), who coordinate the ceremony and oversee its various aspects.
• 😀 The ceremony is held with strict cultural and social rules, and there are taboos about the types of food or animals that can be brought to the ritual site. Violating these taboos may lead to punishment by the community's traditional laws.
• 😀 Despite the changes in society and modern influences, the Tiwah ceremony remains a vital cultural practice for the Dayak people, embodying respect for their ancestors and their unique spiritual beliefs.

Q & A

What is the Tiwah ritual and why is it significant for the Dayak people?

The Tiwah ritual is a posthumous ceremony performed by the Dayak people of Central Kalimantan. It is significant because it honors the deceased by guiding their spirits to the afterlife, ensuring they reach a peaceful and eternal resting place. The ritual is deeply rooted in the Dayak's belief system, particularly their Hindu Kaharingan faith.

How does the Tiwah ritual relate to the belief system of the Dayak people?

The Tiwah ritual is directly tied to the Dayak's Hindu Kaharingan belief, where the soul of the deceased is considered to still exist in the living world until the Tiwah ritual is performed. It is believed that without the ritual, the spirit will cause disturbances such as illness, crop failure, or other misfortunes.

What happens if the Tiwah ritual is not properly performed?

If the Tiwah ritual is not performed correctly, it is believed that the deceased's spirit may become lost and cause negative effects, such as disease, crop failures, or general misfortune for the living family members. The ritual must be carried out perfectly to avoid these consequences.

How long can the gap between death and the Tiwah ritual be?

The gap between death and the Tiwah ritual can range from one to several years, depending on the family's ability to raise funds for the costly ceremony. During this time, other smaller rituals are performed to honor the deceased.

What is the role of the Tiwah ritual in social and moral terms for the Dayak people?

Socially and morally, the Tiwah ritual is essential to prevent disturbances from the deceased's spirit and to release family members from the social stigma of being haunted. It also plays a crucial role in allowing widows or widowers to remarry after the ritual is completed.

What is the significance of the timing of the Tiwah ritual?

The Tiwah ritual is usually held after the rice harvest, typically in May, June, or July. This timing ensures that families have enough food reserves and that children are on school holidays, allowing them to focus on the ceremony without agricultural distractions.

What are the key steps in the Tiwah ritual process?

The Tiwah ritual includes several key steps: collecting the bones of the deceased, separating flesh from bone (if the body is still intact), and preparing a range of ceremonial tools and structures. This includes constructing a small house for the ritual, organizing sacrificial animals, and performing dances and prayers to guide the spirit of the deceased.

What kinds of animals are involved in the Tiwah ritual, and why?

Sacrificial animals such as buffalo, pigs, and chickens are integral to the Tiwah ritual. These animals are slaughtered during the ceremony, and their blood is used in various rites to purify the space and guide the deceased’s spirit. The number of animals depends on the wealth of the family and the social status they want to project.

How does the Tiwah ritual reflect the Dayak's relationship with nature?

The Tiwah ritual reflects the Dayak's deep connection to nature, as it involves various natural elements such as bamboo, wood, and the sacrificial animals. Their reliance on the land for food and the use of natural materials in their rituals demonstrate the respect they have for their environment.

What are some modern influences on the Tiwah ritual?

Modern influences on the Tiwah ritual include the introduction of new technologies and external religions, as well as interactions with the outside world. These influences have led to changes in how the ritual is performed, although its core traditions and purposes remain intact.