In Indonesia, there is a stunning province called West Papua. All Funeral Rites of West Papua have a deep philosophical foundation. Although this area may not be as congested as the province of Java, there are still many exciting things to discover there. It has a wealth of local culture that is difficult to discover in other areas and natural and cultural resources. It should be known around the world, but especially in Indonesia.
Some of them have extraordinary processions that could astound everyone. In addition, some are highly contentious. Because of this, it must be forbidden in West Papua and even by the government of Indonesia.
The Uniqueness of Funeral Rites of West Papua
Indonesia’s West Papua contains customs related to dying. Their traditions and outlook on death reflect their lengthy past. Melanesians hold a variety of beliefs on the afterlife of the soul. The common idea is that all living things will descend into the earth after death. The dead live beneath the ground. Look at some of these funeral rites of West Papua that are full of philosophy and deep meaning.
– The Ayamaru’s Funeral Rite
The funeral tradition of the Ayamaru Community in Meibrat Regency, West Papua Province, describes the meaning of local wisdom. Local wisdom forms communal values and the creation of the found fathers. This is manifested in knowledge, ideas/philosophies, norms, customs, traditional technology, and so on.
Various funeral rites of West Papua are classified for children, adults, the time and arrival of relatives, and wailing in multiple ways and verses or symbols with specific meanings. Likewise, various preparations for burial places, ceremonies for releasing spirits of the dead, and rituals for severing ties with the spirits of the dead and the living are complex procedures in the forest area.
Starting from the potential for cultural diversity, in particular, such as the study of traditional death ceremonies and funerals for the Maybrat community, it is hoped that it will be able to provide prosperity, peace, prosperity in family, community, and state life.
– Lani Tribe Funeral Tradition
This death ceremony is intended to maintain the balance of the cosmos, which is expected to provide safety for both the spirit of the dead and the humans left behind. The funeral rites of West Papua, including the Lani tribe, the process and stages of burning corpses. Before the burning of the corpse, a stone-burning party was held. The number of pigs killed measures how important the person who died was.
The cremation procession is the preparation of firewood from the cassowary tree species (casuarina) After burning the corpse, the bones from the burning remains are collected. Ash and bones are inserted into holes prepared in advance for burying the ashes.
– Dani Funeral Traditions
Death and funeral traditions vary around the world. If the corpse is usually buried or put in a coffin, it differs from the funeral tradition in the Dani Tribe, Papua. The Dani tribe of West Papua, an island in the middle of Papua New Guinea, has a unique way of remembering those who died.
The bodies of the Dani tribe will be left for 200 days in a sitting position and preserved by smoking in a fireplace but at a temperature that is not too large. Only after the corpse has been smoked is it stored in a traditional house so that if there are descendants of the deceased, they can see and hold it.
These funeral rites of West Papua symbolize the highest respect for their ancestors. All processes carried out on corpses are called mummification and have been carried out for hundreds of years.
– Tanam Sasi Funeral Tribe
Typically, the Marin tribe’s Merauke regency handles it. This ceremony uses wood and is a component of the funeral rites. After someone dies, sasi, or wood, is planted and harvested 1,000 days later. Additionally, it is the Admit culture where its craft is so well-liked.
The craft might represent the spirit of the ancestors or convey both happy and sorrowful emotions. More are available. Incorporating the designs of people, animals, plants, and other items into the carving also serves as a symbol of trust. It serves as both a representation of beauty and ancestors’ memories.
Wrapping Up
West Papuans also use this unusual and fascinating dying ceremony. If the tribe’s leader had passed away, his body would have been preserved as a mummy. However, the Asmat people also perform a rite of congratulations known as emaketsiem. Now that you’ve understood these funeral rites of West Papua, the only thing we need to do is to respect it highly and preserve it for our next generation.
