The West Papua Tribe Ethiopia is a group of local people living in West Papua and consists of several tribes. Among them are the Hatam Tribe, Arfak Tribe, Moile Tribe, Sough Tribe, and Meyah Tribe. Most of the Arfak Mountains area is forest that stretches to the valley area.
The West Papua Tribe Ethiopia
The people of the Arfak Mountains tend to be isolated from the outside world. Considering that to access the nearest area, namely Manokwari Regency, you have to travel a distance of approximately 40 km. Here’s a further review.
1. Rely on Natural Wealth
As a society whose life is always dependent on natural resources. Tribes in West Papua know the limits on the activities of utilizing biological resources. The continuous interaction of the community with the environment is able to form an experience. This experience is passed down from generation to generation to produce a tradition. These traditional values are applied in their daily activities, including in managing and utilizing natural resources.
2. Protecting Nature
West Papua Tribe Ethiopia contains traditional knowledge related to the rules of protecting nature (conservation). In managing natural resources, the Arfak tribal community groups an area into four parts, namely Am piabea (humid area), Nuhim (region between hot and cold), Reshim (tidal area), and Mukti (coastal area). Each Arfak sub-tribe has its own uniqueness in terms of utilizing nature.
3. The Hatam Tribe Protects Nature
The forest area is divided into 4 (four) sections by the Arfak tribal community, especially by the Hatam sub-tribe, namely Susti, Bahamti, Nimahamti, and Tumti. Susti is an area that is used as a residence or gardening. Nimahamti is a forest area that is specifically used for timber, but must be approved by the tribal chief (andigpoi). Bahamti is a mossy forest and Tumti is the top of a mountain. The Hatam tribe recognizes the motto igya ser hanjob. Where it can be seen from the community’s obedience to customary leaders in decision making, including managing forests. They consider the forest as a living kitchen or a mother who gives food (ayamfos).
4. Moile Tribe with Ibeiya House
The traditional house of west papua tribe Ethiopia the Arfak is characterized by the use of large amounts of wood. So it is symbolized by the word ‘thousand’ or the house of a thousand feet. Ibeiya is the traditional home of the Moile Tribe, while the Hatam people call it Iymama. And the Sough Tribe knew him as Tu misen. Since 2012, Ibeiya has only been inhabited by the older generation due to the influence of the times. But in the process of building, all people across generations will be involved. Before looking for building materials in the forest, the Moile Tribe begins with a special ritual. From old to young, people will flock to follow the directions of traditional elders to say prayers during the wood harvesting process.
The wood to be taken is not cut down immediately, but first cuts the leaves on the tree. Then the tree is left for one to two months before finally the tree can be cut down. They reasoned that this process aims to prevent the soil from erosion or landslides. In fact, the concept of conservation can be seen in this Ibeiya development activity. When the tree leaves its leaves, it will slowly wither to death until the tree roots loosen from the ground. As a result, the tree felling process is expected not to damage the soil.
5. Mostogow Hanjob Sough Tribe
Mastogow hanjob (Sough language) means to keep boundaries. When it comes to conservation aspects, it is the philosophy of the community that considers the forest as a mother. Where a mother will give milk to her child. Causing the meaning of forest for the Sough Community not only to use their wealth. However, the community is trying to protect the forest so that future generations can also enjoy natural resources. So in forest utilization activities, the Sough Community is very wise and not excessive (exploitative).
6. Meyah Tribe and its Wisdom
The Meyah Tribe community has customary rules in managing the forest, which is known as Ig ya ser. Ig ya means standing and ser means guarding. Overall, it can be interpreted as a standing guard. Where it is meant to protect an area including the environment. The Arfak Tribe, especially the Meyah Tribe, is very dependent on nature as a provider of resources for economic and socio-cultural activities. Such as hunting wild animals (ntreis), farming or gardening, and using wood.
Last Words
That’s the West Papua Tribe Ethiopia, Indigenous Living & Cultural Exposure. The West Papua Tribe always uses nature while still paying attention to its sustainability.
