With their beliefs on the balance of nature, native tribes of West Papua are quite spiritual at large. This shows in their custom, moral values, as well as their cultural performances and pieces. People of Tambrauw, West Papua, are no exception.
Located on the Bird’s Head Peninsula, Tambrauw, a regency in West Papua, is home to approximately 6.000 people. Aside from the national language, they also speak ethnic languages, which include Abun, Mpur, Moraid, and Meyah. Modernization caused the people to move on from animism belief. However, there are some traditions and myths that remain, especially in Miyah District. People in the said district remain true to their belief which uniquely represents the culture of Tambrauw.
One main principle that Miyah people hold as the guidance of life is that all living beings are the same. This means all, including humans and animals, should be treated equally. If not done properly, this will arouse the wrath of God.
Myth 1: Facing Cats in Mirror
The people of Tambrauw Regency, West Papua, believe that facing a cat in a mirror would bring bad luck to the whole village. This myth might sound trivial and rather silly, yet they firmly hold to it still as there has been terrible disaster occurred in the past.
In 1962, there was a heavy flood coming from the mountains, wrecking the whole village in Miyah district. It is believed that one of the residents was caught facing a cat in a mirror prior to the calamity. The casualties caused by this flood caused the people to maintain their belief in such a myth.
Myth 2 The Extraordinary Watir Bird
The second myth is about a pure white cendrawasih bird that is also known by the locals as the Watir bird. The bird is believed to live nearby the Anenderat waterfall, a seven-tiered waterfall on the skirt of the Miyah district.
The Watir bird is said to have come from a water source called the Syakwa. The flock would pass every morning. They could be distinguished by their call that resembles human singing.
A superstition that remains true to this day is to not take pictures or record videos of the bird as a form of respect for the creature.
In actuality, this myth is beneficial to the ecosystem as the bird of paradise is an endangered species. By following this superstition, the whole species would be able to live peacefully along with the humans.
Myth 3 Throwing Fleas to the River
The way of life of the Miyah tribal community is still very traditional. They use the river as a water source for bathing, eating, drinking, and washing clothes and other household items. Hence, they regard the river as well as all body water as the center of life.
Not only respecting living beings, but the people of Tumbraw also hold great respect towards the environment, including the river. Thus, polluting the river is greatly frowned upon.
This explains the third myth, that it’s prohibited to kill head lice using river stone then throw them away to the water. Lice are seen as pests; therefore, such act is considered as polluting the water.
Myth 4 Respecting Dogs
Following the same main principle that the people of Tambrauw Regency, West Papua, hold, dogs shall be treated equally as humans. Dogs would live under the same roof as humans as they are seen as human’s best friends.
Moreover, it is believed that if one comes across dogs that are mating, it is best to leave them alone. It’s also taboo to talk about it to other people, much like how a person won’t talk about another person’s sexual doings.As nonsensical as they sound, these myths that people of Tambrauw Regency, West Papua, believe essentially contain important lessons that could be applied to everyday life. To respect all living beings as they share the same habitat as we are definitely an important lesson that a lot of people disregard. Learning from what Tambrauw people believe in could be a step ahead to a more balanced and peaceful nature.
