Human Heroes, Power and the Cosmos in Borneo
Monica Janowski (SOAS)
Date: 28 February 2012Time: 5:15 PM
Finishes: 28 February 2012Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Brunei GalleryRoom: B102
Type of Event: 0
Series: CSEAS Seminar Programme
Abstract
Tukad Rini and Aruring Manapo Boong are, for the people living in the Kelapang valley in the Kelabit Highlands in Borneo, mythical ancestors and the ideal human couple. They are believed to have gathered, manipulated and utilized the life-force or power of the cosmos, lalud, for the benefit of their kin and followers. Stories told about them relate how Aruring Manapo Boong emodies the ideal female – growing rice successfully – and Tukad Rini the ideal male – ranging across the cosmos to make war and take heads, and defeating a powerful spirit tiger. Marks in stone associated with Tukad Rini’s activities are scattered across the landscape in the Kelapang valley.
Drawing on fieldwork carried out over the past twenty years in the Kelabit Highlands and in particular recent work carried out as part of the ‘Cultured Rainforest’ research project, I will explore the stories told about this couple; I will look at what these express about beliefs related to the nature of the cosmos and attitudes to the way in which humans should live in the cosmos and with each other; and I will put forward some thoughts about how Tukad Rini and Aruring Manapo Boong may be understood in the context of the rapidly changing world of the Kelabit now.
Organiser: Centres & Programmes Office
Contact email: centres@soas.ac.uk
Contact Tel: 020 7898 4892/3
