Exhibition gives peak into life of the Baduy<\/p>\n
By Stevie Emilia<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): For most people, the lifestyle of the reclusive
\nBaduy people living in the highlands of Lebak regency, West Java,
\nremain a mystery.<\/p>\n
Their decision to close themselves off from modernization has
\nalways raised both curiosity and controversy, particularly since
\nthey live only a few hours away from the bustling streets of
\nJakarta.<\/p>\n
For those interested in learning more about the culture of
\nthis community without having to visit the area, an art and
\ncultural exhibition of the Baduy people of Kanekes village is
\nbeing held by the Japan Foundation and the Sekapur Sirih
\nFoundation in the Sumitmas building on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, South
\nJakarta, through Sept. 10.<\/p>\n
Sekapur Sirih Foundation chairwoman Sasmiyarsi Sasmoyo said
\nthe exhibition was an initial step in introducing the art,
\nculture and lifestyle of the Baduy people to the outside world.<\/p>\n
\"The exhibition is also intended to eliminate various
\nmisperceptions about the Baduy people. Some people think they are
\nexperts in martial arts or black magic, which is not true.\"<\/p>\n
She said the Baduy people lived a modest life and only wished
\nto continue to live according to their own rules and culture.<\/p>\n
The Baduy's modest lifestyle is strongly reflected through the
\nexhibits on display.<\/p>\n
A miniature of a traditional Baduy dwelling shows a simple
\nhome with woven bamboo walls and a sago palm leaf roof.<\/p>\n
A typical home, illustrated by the model, is divided into five
\nsections: sasoro (verandah), tepas (guest room), musung
\n(storeroom), parako (storage space above the fireplace) and imah
\n(main area which also functions as a bedroom).<\/p>\n
The structure is built without nails and is not painted.<\/p>\n
\"Not all Baduy people can afford to have all five sections in
\ntheir house, but almost all of us have a leuit (rice barn),\"
\nexplained Kasinah, an Outer Baduy man.<\/p>\n
Baduy household wares are displayed near the house model.<\/p>\n
Unlike most Indonesians who mostly use stainless steel
\nutensils and plastic or porcelain dishes, the Baduy people use
\nitems mostly made of bamboo or wood.<\/p>\n
On display are kelek (water pots), jahas besar (large wooden
\nplates), somong (bamboo glasses), dulang and kaluwung (types of
\ncooking utensils), baris (small rice bowl), keukep (rice steamer
\ncover) and seeng (rice steamer).<\/p>\n
Some of the Baduy people are present at the exhibition to
\nanswer questions, while others are selling traditional clothes
\nand other handicrafts.<\/p>\n
Baduy clothes are white, black or shades of blue, depending on
\ngender and community.<\/p>\n
Inner Baduy men wear a white headdress, kampret (white shirt)
\nand black sarong with a vertical white-striped motif, while Outer
\nBaduy men mostly don a bluish batik headdress, a black,
\nbuttonless vest with no pockets and short pants.<\/p>\n
Women's dress is also based on which community they come from.
\nInner Baduy women wear a white shirt, a black sarong and a black
\nkemben (bodice), while Outer Baduy women wear sarong and shirts
\nwith a more variety of colors, though still limited to white,
\nblack and blues.<\/p>\n
Handicrafts at the exhibition include a traditional carrying
\nbag called koja or jarog, made of teureup (tree bark)and kepek
\n(luggage) made from the stems of sarai flowers and the trunk of
\nsugar palms.<\/p>\n
Several Baduy musicians were on hand at the opening of the
\nexhibition on Tuesday evening to play traditional instruments,
\nsuch as angklung (bamboo instruments), kecapi (stringed
\ninstruments) and flutes.<\/p>\n
Their soft but melodious music was a highlight of the evening
\nand reflected the peaceful life of the Baduy in their highland
\ncommunities.<\/p>\n
Black and white pictures also provide a glimpse at Baduy daily
\nactivities, which may seem relatively simple to people from the
\noutside world.<\/p>\n
The snapshots include John Suryaatmadja's To The Other Side,
\nwhich show men and women about to cross a bamboo bridge while
\ncarrying sacks of palm sugar and children on their backs. Through
\nthe Alley and Easy Living, by the same photographer, give viewers
\nthe opportunity to take a closer look at the Baduy people and
\ntheir villages.<\/p>\n
Dana Irfan's photographs offer more of a chance to learn about
\ndaily Baduy routines through Daily Life I, Daily Life II and
\nCollecting Firewood, which pictures a woman climbing a tree to
\nfind firewood. Mystical View of Baduy shows some of the natural
\nenvironment surrounding the communities.<\/p>\n
The Baduy's determination to preserve their environment comes
\nfrom their ancestors passed down through the Pikukuh Orang Baduy
\n(Baduy people's rules), which guide the Baduy people in their
\nactivities -- including how they view other people.<\/p>\n
\"Mountains can't be destroyed, hills can't be ruined,
\nprohibitions can't be violated, taboos can't be changed,\" one of
\nthe pikukuh says.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/exhibition-gives-peak-into-life-of-the-baduy-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}