8 Rare Traditions in Papua and Explanation

Have you ever heard about Papua? It is one of the islands in Indonesia that is located in the east part of Indonesia.

Similar to other islands in Indonesia, Papua contains the richest cultures and traditions. Their traditions describe the way the Papuan lives. Most of them are pretty loyal to honoring their ancestor. 

Commonly, many traditions in Papua and explanations give so much knowledge to tourists. It also brings the pride of the richest culture of the nation for Indonesian.

If you are wondering what kind of rare traditions in Papua, here we have some of them. It completes some of the favorite traditions in Papua and explanation. Let’s check them out!

1. Bakar Batu

Bakar Batu is one of the traditions in Papua, which means burn the stone. This tradition is pretty famous among the Papuan. Even though they come from different tribes, the Bakar Batu tradition exists in most of the tribes in Papua.

Bakar Batu represents the gratefulness of the Papuan to the god. The tradition starts with cooking together using stones. It looks similar to a feast in which most Papuan will be slaughtering some pigs, goats, chickens, and even cows to cook.

Bakar Batu tradition represents tolerance and humbleness among Papuan and other tribes that live in Papua. It also means a peace symbol for some tribes in Papua. Other than that, the tradition is held for celebration, welcoming guests, and custom cultural rituals.

2. Tanam Sasi

Tanam Sasi is one of the traditions in Papua, which relates to the funeral. This tradition comes from the Marind Anim tribe that lives around Merauke Regency in West Papua.

During the Tanam Sasi tradition, locals need a Sasi wood, which can be found around the Papuan forest. The Sasi need to be planted for about 40 days after someone’s death. On the first thousand days, the plant needs to be plucked out.

Tanam Sasi represents the deepest mourning for the family after their beloved one was dead. The Sasi wood is commonly carved properly with a specific symbol. The symbol describes the beautiful memory of the death of one.

3. Wor

Wor is one of the traditions in Papua, which comes from the Biak tribe. This kind of tradition is a part of Papuan custom culture which is commonly held for seeking protection from the god.

Locals believe that Wor is a kind of sacred ritual in Papua. Some families in the Biak tribe even held the ritual following their children’s growth. The ritual starts with the mother having a pregnancy, during pregnancy, after childbirth, the grown-up phase, and into their death.

4. Asmat funeral tradition

The Asmat tribe in Papua has a unique funeral tradition that is different from the common funeral tradition in Papua. Among the Asmat tribe, when someone is dead, they will bring the corpse into the Lesung boat, which is covered with bamboo craft.

The boat will be filled by sago, which puts the corpse aside. Locals will let the corpse follow the flow of the river. Later on, they will let the corpse decompose naturally. The family will gather the bones, including the skull.

The skull commonly saves in the family’s bed. Some of them even use the skull for their pillow. It represents love for the dead ones.

5. Kiuturu Nandauw

Kiuturu Nandauw is one of the traditions in Papua which commonly held by most tribes in Papua. This kind of tradition means the first shaving hair after the children reach the age of five.

Kiuturu Nandauw represents a readiness for children to see the world around them. This kind of tradition commonly leads by the local shaman, who starts and leads the sacred ritual.

6. Ero Eru Tu Ura

Ero Eru Tu Ura is one of the traditions in Papua that is commonly held by most tribes in Papua. This kind of tradition means a piercing ritual, which following by a specific custom cultural ceremony.

Ero Eru Tu Ura is a sacred ceremony that is specifically held for children aged three to five. The ritual commonly leads by a local shaman called the Aebe Siawi. The ritual means a hope from the parents to their children to have good hearing.

7. Snap Mor

Snap Mor is one of the traditions in Papua that is commonly held by the Biak tribe. This kind of tradition involves the seawater level. When it gets down, locals will hold the ritual in the seashore to catch the fish.

Snap Mor represents the togetherness among the tribes in Papua. The joy that sparks during the ritual brings attachment among others. That makes love and peace will be created significantly.

8. Iki Palek

Iki Palek is one of the traditions in Papua that comes from the Dani tribe. This kind of ritual means cutting one of the fingers when some of the family members are dead. The much they lose their fingers, it means the amount of their loses.

Iki Palek represents the symbol of honor, sadness, and love to the dead one. The Dani tribe preserved that crying is not enough to describe their mourning. Losing someone they love has the same meaning as losing one of their body parts.

All of those traditions in Papua and the explanation above bring the richest culture in Indonesia. The fact most of them bring a sacred value to the tribes in Papua. That makes those traditions should be well protected.

Are you ready to watch one of those traditions in Papua directly? Let’s grab your bag and start to pack your need to explore the whole island of Papua.