The Centre for Archaeology, Banjarmasin, presents an Archaeological Exhibition "Recognize, Love and Appreciate the Heritage of Your Ancestor"

Tinggalaan Kubur Leluhur Masyarakat Dayak, Kepercayaan Kaharingan,
dan Budaya Dayak Maanyan serta Lawangan makin Terpinggirkan

by Wasita

Abstract

Culture is dynamic. Technology, information and practical lifestyle lead a significant role in creating a change in a community. At least these aspects continuously have impact on the Maanyan and Lawangan culture that causes extensive cultural changes. Traces of old evidences indicate the durable existence of Kaharingan. Even in the era of globalization, the durability of Kaharingan persists. However, the adherents of Kaharingan decline in number, whereas in fact the adherents are expected to be the ones who are effectively capable of preserving their own custom. If many of the Maanyan and Lawangan abandon their believes, the invaluable norms of the Kaharingan will gradually disappear in time. Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly document such custom for the sake of the next generation as moral guidance for identity building and developing a community who has strong historical roots of ancestor and culture.

(resource: publication Naditira Widya Nomor 15, April 2006:55-63; ISSN 1410-0932)
e-mail: wasita66@yahoo.com

Arabic Calligraphy on the Sultan Tombstones in Kutai

by Bambang Sakti Wiku Atmojo

Abstract

Almost every tombstone of the Sultan of Kutai (East Kalimantan) is inscribed with Arabic calligraphy, except that of the last sultan's, Aji Muhammad Parikesit. These inscriptions are of great benefit to those who seek further effort to study their significance. The advantage in analysing the calligraphies is to obtain the knowledge to recognise the names and chronology of the governing sultan, the writing style, the contained advices and the language development exercised by the time the tombstone was erected.

(Source: Naditira Widya Number 7, November 2001:32-42; ISSN 1410-0932)

River Tradition: A Civilization in South Kalimantan in the 16th-19th Century

by Andi Nuralang

Abstract

Among the uncountable rivers flowing in the eastern part of South Kalimantan, there are four rivers that played a leading role back in the 16th to the 19th Century. These rivers are the Batulicin, Kusan, Cantung and Bangkalaan Rivers. Archaeological traces of ancient mosques, cemeteries and old ports, which have existed and developed along the river basins indicate that formerly activity sites were established close to the coast and then grew progressively toward the hinterland. It is by means of these rivers, whether supremacies of political expansion or global and interinsular trading contacts have taken place.

(Source: Naditira Widya Number 7, November 2001:71-89; ISSN 1410-0932)

Cave Burial Tradition: Preliminary Study on Caves in East Kalimantan

by Bambang Sugiyanto

Abstract

Caves utilization has continuously been performed eversince prehistoric up through the historic period hitherto survived by several indigenous people that inhabit the east regions of Kalimantan. The use of caves does not merely indicate dwelling activity, but burial as well. Particular uses of caves as burial chambers, whether with or without containers, must have certain purpose to their direct community. Further illustration will explain motivations in choosing caves as burial sites including their burial forms and classifications.

(Source: Naditira Widya Number 7, November 2001:79-89; ISSN 1410-0932)

Secondary Burial System of the Ngaju, Maanyan and Lawangan: Comprasion Data for Analysis of Religion

by Retno Handini

Abstract

The traditional life of the Ngaju, Maanyan and Lawangan in Central Kalimantan is observably intriguing, specifically in regard to its religious aspect. The religious life of the Kaharingan adherents is effectively based on a prehistoric belief system concerning the concept of spirit worshipping in particular. This circumstance is obviously manifested on the secondary burial system that is still practiced up until now by the Ngaju, Maanyan and Lawangan. Despite the differences in vernacular and procession of the secondary burial between the three communities, the essence is yet the same i.e. as means of transportation to attain spiritual completness in its eternal place.

(Source: Naditira Widya Number 7, November 2001:90-98; ISSN 1410-0932)

Boats in the Religious Life and Cultural Continuity of the Dayak in Central Kalimantan

by Hartatik

Abstract

Boats are yet unmistakably related to the life of the Dayak of Central Kalimantan. The existence of boats are apparent in their daily life as means of their primary transporation, whether in connecting villages or carrying passengers to various destinations such as the cultivation, market place and school. Religiously among the Dayak, boats have significant role regarding the procession of the traditional death ceremony tiwah benteng or tiwah separo. Not to mention the form of coffin, raung, and mortuary repository, sandong, that stores the deceased having a boat-like shape. Obviously, there is a specific conception that essentially inspire the development of boat ornaments i.e. the soul-voyage to its origin beyond the secular world.

(Source: Naditira Widya Number 7, November 2001:99-108; ISSN 1410-0932)

Say it with Beads

by Sunarningsih

Abstract

Beads are recognised as attractive small articles loaded with value, function and significance. The environs of Kalimantan in general and South Kalimantan in particular provide abundant material resources as raw materials to produce beads. Varieties of trinkets of beads are sold at one of the trade centre in Martapura i.e. Pasar Batuah. However, beads industry in this vicinty is very limited, and product material is mostly obtained from abroad. Therefore, it is recommendable that in order to be able to increase trade value of the beads industry in Martapura, one could create innovations by rediscovering the knowledge and technology of past beads manufacturing.

(Source: Naditira Widya Number 7, November 2001:109-117; ISSN 1410-0932)

Democracy, Autonomy, Tradition and Archaeological Resource: An Aspect of the Local Community Enhancement in the National Park of Kayan Mentarang, East Kalimantan

by Wasita

Abstract

Development aims to improve the community's subsistence in every aspect of life. Therefore, governmental development programs must definitely be proceeded according to plan, in spite of its inevitable quality to have an impact on behaviour, life style, value, belief and other managing conceptions along the line. Furthermore, rapid change could create social disaster suffering from confusion and despair. In order to minimize these measures, it is necessary not to fail in considering taking steps set up from cultural resources as policy references. Present governmental system at hand has cause a change in cultural paradigm from centralized structure to spherical pattern that mutually influence every other culture cordially. Consequently, it is vital to take into account a comprehensive understanding of cultural element in the development agenda.

(Source: Naditira Widya Number 7, November 2001:118-128; ISSN 1410-0932)

Interaction of the Heterogenic Society in South Kalimantan in the 12th-17th Century: Perspective on its Socio-historical Aspects

by Nugroho Harjo Lukito

Abstract

The author values the need to increase cooperative relationship of multi-ethnic life based on varieties of ethnic groups, cultural conservation, identity building towards civilization and national language maintenance. This cooperation is needed to bridge social communication among ethnic groups as well as social interaction pattern control as guidance for behavioural conduct of a diverse society as such that had taken place in South Kalimantan in the 12th-17th Century in order to prevent social conflict.

(Source: Naditira Widya Special Edition Number 6, June 2001:9-13; ISSN 1410-0932)

The Islamic Sultanates in East Kalimantan: Perspectives on Nation Integration

by Bambang Sakti Wiku Atmojo

Abstract

During the 16th until mid 20th Century in the east region of Kalimantan had existed five Islamic kingdoms with multi-ethnic inhabitants consisted of indigenous ethnic groups and immigrants. Monarchy management was carried out by familial relationship and adaptation, which conjointly conducting a peaceful political relationship, and had worked out a closer mutual cooperative association with other sovereignties outside Kalimantan. Eventually, these kingdoms integrated into the Republic of Indoensia.

(Source: Naditira Widya Special Edition Number 6, June 2001:14-20; ISSN 1410-0932)

The Belief of Ancestors in the Life of Indonesian: Case Study in Central Kalimantan

by Sunarningsih

Abstract

Indonesia as a multi-ethnic country is potential for the occurance of social conflict, which among others are basically caused by cultural differences. Presently, Indonesia is establishing a progressive community that requires changes in all aspects of subsistence which indirectly causing exclusion for the incompetent. A long-drawn-out condition as such may instigate a greater social imbalance of both sides resulting the sense of disregard by the excluded party, the conciousness of being treated unequal as well as unfair and becoming dissatisfied by the circumstances on hand. Ironically, this situation is likely to happen to the indigenous people, such as the case occurred in Central Kalimantan, which eventually suffer from a neglected hegemony caused by violation of custom and belief.

(Source: Naditira Widya Special Edition Number 6, June 2001:30-44; ISSN 1410-0932)

Archaeology reads Cultural Complexity from Traces of the Past

by Andi Nuralang

Abstract

In regard to cultural diversity archaeological perspective can be understood from cultural complexity of the past reflected in artifacts and written evidences. Further study of these records may portray the interaction of the archipelago community occurred in the past, particularly the inhabitant in the southeastern part of Kalimantan. The related interaction concerns with the process of acculturation of foreign culture, which enriched the local traditions. A number of aspects of this practice shows a harmonious cultural blending expressing life formerly was simple, uncomplicated and never triggered any major social conflict.

(Source: Naditira Widya Special Edition Number 6, June 2001:45-52; ISSN 1410-0932)

Nation Integration a La Ngadatun and Marabia

by Vida Pervaya Rusianti Kusmartono

Abstract

The Maanyan in Haringen have yet favorably carry out activity of secondary burial, which has been practiced since the prehistoric period, nowadays. Presently, the majority of the Haringen community is Christian. Nevertheless, the performance of the living tradition shows a remarkable outlook of tolerance; A manifestation of their traditional value system, the Paju Sepuluh, that emphasizes on the completion of human life and its environmental conformity that indicates appreciation in regard to the subsistence of new cultural values that motivate intercultural adjustments. The very existence of the secondary burial tradition is the conception of the Haringen community, which is indirectly used as means to prevent threats against present intense nation disintegration.

(Source: naditira Widya Special Edition Number 6, June 2001:53-69; ISSN 1410-0932)

Digging Up Values of Solidarity and Togetherness from Sandong and its Paraphernalia (Kotawaringin Timur, Central Kalimantan)

by Hartatik

Abstract

The author describes that the climax of the death ceremony, tiwah, of the Ngaju is the establishment of sandong and its paraphernalia. Resources to perform tiwah and to build such architecture are usually funded by relatives of the dead and village community of various ethnic and religion, whether Kaharingan, Christian or Moslem, as well as the need to handle laborious hard work by large manpower and a great deal of time. This condition demonstrates that a down-to-earth community living in Kotawaringin Timur sustained by simple facilities is capable of preventing the occurance of a social conflict by a harmonious and interlaced cooperation.

(Source: Naditira Widya Special Edition Number 6, June 2001:70-80; ISSN 1410-0932)

Ethnical Conflict in Central Kalimantan

by Wasita

Abstract

Ethnical conflict bursted out in Central Kalimantan cannot be set apart from cultural predicament. Factors that accelerated changes to come about were exposed relationship and introduction to governmental programs, whether policy or its field-implementatation. During the process it was probable that clashes of interest had taken place in every element of culture. Unless this situation was manage sensibly, seeds of jealousy prompted dissatisfaction to one party as a consequence of the successfully performed hegemony, whether individual or cultural, by the next party, which ultimately resulted resentment by the dominated party. Therefore, hegemony must be prevented from effective, whereas development policy and strategy must be based on a comprehensive life and cultural mechanism of the community as the subject of national progress.

(Source: Naditira Widya Special Edition Number 6, June 2001:81-90; ISSN 1410-0932)

The Preference of Selecting a Location during Classic Indonesia in East and South Kalimantan

by Vida Pervaya Rusianti Kusmartono

Abstract

The Province of East and South Kalimantan are two different regions, which each of them has its own geographical and geological characteristic. A number of archaeological remains that were found in both provinces indicate an interesting phenomenon in regard to their location. Site distribution reflects past human activities occurred in its ecological circle. Therefore, natural resources is considered to be one of the aspects determined in selecting prospective location to carry out ones activities. In the classical period of Indonesia, human established monuments, whether sacred or profane, according to the text of Vastusastra or Manasara. However, selection for prospective location still tend to depend on convenience and comfort to obtain natural resources, especially water and also human resources for religious purposes.

(Source: Naditira Widya Nomor 5/2000:21-25; ISSN 1410-0932)

Selayar's Role as a Maritime and Trade Channel in the 16th-17th Century

by Andi Nuralang

Abstract

The author presents the significance of Selayar's role as passage way for shipping and trading in the 16th-17th Century. Selayar is the largest island amongst a group of islands scattered in the south of Tanjung Bira, South Sulawesi (Celebes). In regard to its geographical position as an island apart from mainland Sulawesi, Selayar provides a strategic location for trade activity and performs as merchant's transit-port, for instance, to obtain shipping supplies or to avoid menacing heavy weather. In the long run, Selayar became a very potential commercial site.

(Source: naditira Widya Nomor 5/2000:26-33; ISSN 1410-0932)

The Decoration and Paraphernalia of Sandong of the Mentaya River Basin in Central Kalimantan: Morphology and Function

by Hartatik

Abstract

The Nagju of Central Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo), that reside in the central-south part in particular, named their customary mortuary repository as sandong. A sandong is a small architectural stage-house form contructed of wood. The sandong is furnished with either decorations engraved or painted on its surface, or set up with statues or miniatures. The decoration, as the work of art, has aesthetic purpose. Nonetheless, its presence on religious artifacts does not perceived as a mere art, but also signifies certain expectations.

(Source: Naditira Widya Nomor 5/2000:42-50; ISSN 1410-0932)

Dragon on Ceramics: The Perspectives of the Dayak on its Socio-religious Significance

by Nugroho Harjo Lukito

Abstract

The author points out that a belief, developed long before civilization evolved in Indonesia, has been professed and practiced by the ancestors. By employing symbols they attempted to create and find supreme element beyond human's logic that bear significant purpose to their lives. A symbol may contain, whether economic, politic, social or religious value that practically manifested depends on the manner possessed by the community itself.

(Source: Naditira Widya Nomor 5/2000:51-56; ISSN 1410-0932)

The Significance and Function of Sapundu to the People of Desa Tanah Putih, Kotawaringin Timur, Central Kalimantan

by Bambang Sugiyanto

Abstract

The author focuses on purpose and function transformation of sapundu as one of the paraphernalia of the mortuary repository, sandong, of the Ngaju. A sapundu functions as a sacrificial post to tether an animal such as water buffalo, goat or boar. It is generally, erected at the centre of a vast ground in front of the ceremonial hall during tiwah. Afterwards, the sapundu could be moved close to the sandong. Nevertheless, it could also act as a "loose" sapundu, which is regarded as the burial monument of the grieving family.

(Source: Naditira Widya Nomor 5/2000:57-65; ISSN 1410-0932)

The Archaeology of Barito River Basin

by Bambang Sakti Wiku Atmojo

Abstract

The author describes that settlement pouches have been existed along the Barito River Basin since the prehistoric period. A number of archaeological researches carried out along the river basin indicate potential archaeological remains of various characteristics found scattered around the coastal area toward the mountainous hinterland.

(Source: Naditira Widya Nomor 5/2000:85-95; ISSN 1410-0932)

Tracking down the Traditional Mask of South Kalimantan

by Sunarningsih

Abstract

"Unshield thyself from thy mask" is probably a common phrase used to expose people from the mask of hypocrisy. On the other hand a mask is an expressive art of a society that may indicate a process of acculturation between two cultures or more. The existence of the art of mask can be traced chronologically by the influence of Javanese culture in South Kalimantan. In regard to Hikajat Bandjar, it is assumed that this specific art is developed simultaneously with the art of puppet shadow and classical theatre originated from Java. The elements from the Panji Epic from approximately the 11th-13th Century that originated in East Java are noticeable on the quality of the mask produced by the Banjarese. This evidence signifies the occurance of a cultural interaction between the Banjarese and the Javanese. Hypothetically, the acculturation further indicates influences of ancient elements from the Classical Javanese period between 8th and 15th Century. Beyond the 16th Century the characteristics of art and dance of mask in South Kalimantan has been preserved, developed and enriched with additional Islamic accounts.

(Source: Naditira Widya Nomor 14, Oktober 2005:64-79; ISSN 1410-0932)

Candi Laras and Candi Agung: Chronology and Cultural Contact of Classic Indonesia

by Vida Pervaya Rusianti Kusmartono

Abstract

Since the initial development of Classic Indonesia in the early 5th Century in East Kalimantan, the expansion of the classical culture did not occurred successively in Kalimantan, instead it appeared to leap to West Java, Sumatera, Central and East Java and progressing toward the eastern part of Indonesia. Nevertheless, the discovery of Candi Laras and Candi agung in South Kalimantan proves that the Classic Indonesia had also developed in other parts of Kalimantan. Candi Laras and Candi Agung are familiar to the Banjarese in South Kalimantan, since both names are frequently mentioned in their local narrative, the Hikajat Bandjar, and believed to be the sites of the remains of two ancient kingdoms. The chronological analysis indicates that the relative dating of Candi Laras: 7th-9th Century; and the absolute dating of Candi Agung: 8th Century. By and large these chronologies lead to the assumption that there were two channels of cultural interaction in Kalimantan: 1) the north, which produced the development of classical culture/s in East Kalimantan; and 2) the west, resulting cultures in South Kalimantan. However, until today the written resources that directly indicate Candi Laras and Candi Agung have not been found. Therefore it is difficult to obtain the general idea of their precise positions in the framework of ancient kingdoms of Classic Indonesia. This article will discuss the existence of Candi Laras and Candi Agung in South Kalimantan in order to understand their temporal setting and development during the interaction between the indigenous cultures and Indic influences in Indonesia.

(resource: publication Naditira Widya Nomor 14, Oktober 2005:55-63; ISSN 1410-0932)