A Lampung cultural expert has explained that the procession of\nstepping on a buffalo head is part of a sacred tradition that has\nexisted for hundreds of years. The ritual is performed during the Begawi\nCakak Pepadun ceremony, which marks a person\u2019s ascension to the highest\ncustomary position or enthronement as a traditional leader. This\nprocession symbolises the cleansing of negative traits such as\narrogance, envy, and greed, and serves as a form of respect for the\nindividual being bestowed with the customary title.<\/p>\n
Admi Syarif, a Lampung cultural expert and member of the Expert\nCouncil of the Lampung Traditional Leaders Assembly (MPAL), stated that\nthe procession, known in the Lampung language as Mesol Kibau, has been\npractised for centuries. He explained that the buffalo holds a special\nplace in Lampung culture and is often used as a measure in various\ncustomary calculations and major celebrations. The act of stepping on\nthe buffalo\u2019s head is performed during the Pasta Aji ceremony to signify\nthe completion of the ritual.<\/p>\n
Admi noted that the buffalo was chosen for its symbolism of strength\nand greatness, reflecting the character of the Lampung people, rather\nthan a smaller animal like a goat or chicken. He further interpreted the\nact of stepping on the head as a symbolic effort to eliminate\nanimalistic desires from within a person. He questioned why the similar\nritual performed by President Jokowi, who received the customary title\n\u2018Baginda Pemuka Bangsa\u2019 at the Kedatun Keagungan in Bandar Lampung,\nrecently became a subject of controversy, suggesting that such matters\nshould ideally be resolved internally by the respective clans.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/lampung-cultural-expert-explains-the-meaning-behind-the-buffalo-head-stepping-procession-1782831190", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }