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View all search resultsCasting spells: Laya (center) pauses amid casting spells
Casting spells: Laya (center) pauses amid casting spells.
The Dayak people of Simpang Hulu, Ketapang regency hold the nungkat gumi ritual once every seven years, hoping to exorcise evil spirits and rid the community of evil.
Preparations revolve around the number seven: Water was taken from seven rivers, seven pigs and seven chickens were readied for sacrifice, a special seven-story balai (traditional hall) was readied, seven tomikng traditional baskets were made and so on.
'Only experienced and senior shamans in their 60s can be selected to be executors of the ritual. Laya, 103, is senior and will lead the nungkat gumi ritual, according to organizer Kornelius Kolik.
The only exception is Lias, 55, the only woman shaman to join the event,' he adds. 'There must be female shaman for every nungkat gumi ritual. This is an absolute requirement.'
On the first day, took seven spoonfuls of water from seven rivers as another shaman, Conotn, 70, took seven types of root water from the forest.
The water was then mixed with leaves, fruits and other offerings and left to sit for an hour before Lias cast a spell on the water, seven baskets of offerings and seven rolls of cloth.
Sacred: The shaman pray over the offerings.
Procession: The shaman and invited guests begin the ritual.
Offerings: The shaman sit before baskets of offerings.
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