Papua is the easternmost province of Indonesia whose territory is adjacent to the state of Papua New Guinea. Papua is an area known for its rich culture and traditions. No wonder, if you can find many tribes who still hold fast to their noble values. Indigenous ethnic groups in Papua consist of 255 tribes, with different languages, one of them is Lani tribe of West papua.
In addition to still upholding traditional values and norms, they also still believe in the customs handed down by their ancestors until now. Of the many indigenous tribes in Papua, one of them is about the lani tribe, who have historically searched for war ancestor guides. Here are the facts about the Lani tribe of West Papua.
Living in Tolikara, Papua
The Lani tribe of west Papua occupies Tolikara Regency, which is a new regency resulting from the division of Jayawijaya Regency. Tolikara Regency occupies the western part of the Baliem Valley. The Tolikara Regency area consists of hilly areas, steep ravines, high mountains up to 2,500 meters above sea level. To be able this tribe must travel through the mountains of Jayawijaya to the Baliem Valley. Such topographical conditions are like nature which is the cause of this area’s backwardness. The curvy shape of the mainland of Tolikara makes it difficult to build a road.
Livelihood
The livelihood of the Lani tribe of West Papua is farming, the crops they plant are sweet potatoes. Women work in the fields, men build fences. His work is gardening batatas, red fruits, oranges, pineapples, avocados, bananas, corn, and hunting. The Lani are to this day completely isolated from the modern world and practice a very traditional system of life still filled with mysticism.
Led by the Chief of the tribe
Just like a tribe in general, in the social system, the leader of the Lani tribe is the chief of the tribe. The election of tribal chiefs is hereditary, and people who can become tribal chiefs must be brave people. In the Lani tribe, the stone burning ceremony is usually done when they want to clear land and inaugurate their tribal chief
Marriage system
The marriage system in the Lani tribe is unique and different from the others. Their marriage system must use a dowry with at least 5 pigs, one for church, and 4 women. In the Lani tribe, there are 10-15 wives. People of the same clan cannot marry. The names of the Lani clans include Wenda, Murip, Kogoya, wakerkwa, Tabuni, Jikwa, wanibo, Yigibalom, Enembe, and Yanengga.
Religion and Arts
Most of the Lani are Protestant Christians, there is a connection between humans and nature. Lani people know the tools of life, namely jikin (bow), male (arrow). In art, sali is a woman wearing a skirt made of bark, also using a bird of paradise.
Science in the Lani
The Lani have knowledge of traditional medicines, such as red fruit to reduce various diseases. Red fruit in the local language is called tawi, kenen, ugi, maler, and kalingga. In addition, there are dolungga wood leaves that are used for ulcers, by heating them first. Mothers who have just given birth can also stop their bleeding with this concoction. The Lani also use heated Gurungga leaves for cold medicine, as well as Towel, a leaf used to treat fatigue such as balm
Final Words.
These are a series of facts about the Lani tribe of West Papua. Interesting enough right? Papua has a diversity of traditions and cultures, which are still preserved by the tribes that inhabit it. The land of Papua is also known for its cultural and natural diversity. Papuan people are still thick with traditions, and customs that exist in the life of a tribe in Papua.
