In Heram Ayapo, Papua, there is a tradition of paying the head called “Yu.” According to Kemdikbud, this tradition is usually carried out after funeral ceremonies and has been practiced for generations until now.
What is The “Paying The Head” Tradition?
Referring to the Sentani language, this “paying the head” tradition does not refer to the real meaning of a human head. There are two interpretations of the meaning.
The word “Yu” or “Yum” refers to human dignity, usually symbolized by the head because the head is the most honorable part of a human being. Another word is “Yu Ram” which means joy because there is an event that presents a variety of foods.
Actually, “Yu” is more than just a tradition because this tradition also includes principles to maintain harmony among members of the same family and different social groups.
The Heram Ayapo community usually carries out this “Yu” tradition on the day its citizens die. This tradition upholds several values like a sense of community, trust among people, and self-worth. That’s why it is crucial to the Heram Ayapo community.
The Social Status of The Heram Ayapo Community Group is in The “Paying The Head” Tradition
The implementation of the ceremony of giving the head to the bereaved usually refers to social status, relationships, and types of assets used in community groups.
In the “Yu” tradition, there are numerous groups that are in the position of providing payment for services or head property and the recipients of head property, including :
1. The Yakhale Group
The first was the Yakhale group, which was at the top of the social layer in Sentani tribal society, in particular Heram Ayapo. This group is a community consisting of Ondofelo and Khotelo-Khotelo.
2. The Khame Group
The Khame group is a collective of some Akhona. These Akhona are the clan chiefs or heads. In most families, Akhona is the oldest child or firstborn.
A single Akhona is in charge of multiple families, most of which are their younger siblings. These Akhona are under the Khotelo, who are the chieftains of their tribe, in the traditional system of government.
3. The Imea Ei Group
Imea Ei’s circle consists of the immediate bereaved family. In this case, the woman’s family, such as the male cousins, will later receive, and the group from the male family will later give. Imea Ei’s group is usually a fairly large one.
4. The Yowa Ei Group
The members of the Yowa Ei group include the bereaved family’s siblings, immediate family members, or those who are regularly involved in donating or receiving the deceased’s possessions directly.
The varying shapes, sizes, and colors of the assets utilized to award each asset have unique attributes and values.
The Types of Assets in The “Paying The Head” Tradition
Before the payment begins, the mourning family will send a certain type of food made by the wife (miyeayo) or family from the mother’s side (anakhoyo). Once the food is delivered, an agreement is made to determine the payment method.
The assets used consist of various shapes, sizes, and colors with different qualities and values. Similarly, the levels of use of these assets vary.
The use of assets in the “paying the head” process must follow the needs, responsibilities, and obligations carried out. And it must also refer to the class of people who use assets in the social life of the Heram Ayapo community and to the Sentani Tribe in general.
The level of value for each object in its use consists of eba (stone bracelet), he (stone axe), and reboni (glass beads).The tradition of paying the head rituals is very sacred to Papuans. Generally, the payment amount for the head’s assets is almost the same as the payment for the dowry.
