The Best Journey of Borneo

The Vibrant Babukung Ritual of the Dayak Tomun in Lamandau Regency, Central Kalimantan: A Celebration of Tradition and Spirit

Discover the rich cultural heritage of the Dayak Tomun people of Borneo through the captivating Babukung ritual and festival. Learn about the role of masks (luha) in these ceremonies, community solidarity, and how this vibrant festival contributes to preserving and showcasing Dayak culture.

Mickey Juanda

7/30/20243 min read

Babukung Ritual: Historical Background and Cultural Significance

The Dayak people of Borneo are renowned for their vibrant and intricate cultural heritage, deeply rooted in their indigenous belief system known as Kaharingan. This belief, often categorized as a form of animism, is brought to life through a rich tapestry of rituals and ceremonies. Among the diverse Dayak tribes, the Dayak Tomun inhabiting the Lamandau River region stand out for their singular sacred rite - the Babukung.

This complex ceremony honors the souls of those who have passed on through a weaving of shorter and longer passages that echo the depth of meaning. Recited are tales of ancestors and their connection to the landscape, interspersed with solemn invocations seeking blessings for the living. Hands gesticulate to the rhythms of chants, while eyes close in reverie - all joined in commemorating those no longer in the mortal realm.

At its core, the term "Bukung" signifies spirits or ghosts, playing a pivotal role in the Dayak Tomun’s customs of venerating the dead. The Babukung ceremony is a deeply meaningful and elaborate funeral rite, featuring a series of traditional rituals and dances that are central to the Dayak Tomun's cultural practices surrounding death and burial.

The Babukung ceremony is traditionally held in a somber and reflective atmosphere, with the primary aim of both honoring the deceased and providing solace to the bereaved family. This ritual also emphasizes community solidarity, as local residents come together to offer support during the mourning period. Contributions such as money, basic necessities, palm wine, and meat are provided to the grieving family, fostering a sense of unity and collective care.

Embedded within the Babukung ritual are rich traditional beliefs and myths, which tell stories of ancestral spirits, forest guardians, and deities. These narratives highlight the spiritual significance of the ceremony, illustrating how the Dayak Tomun people seek to maintain a harmonious relationship with the spiritual realm. The Babukung ritual, therefore, not only serves as a profound expression of spirituality but also acts as a channel for passing down cultural values and wisdom from one generation to the next.

A striking feature of the Babukung ceremony is the ceremonial dance performed by the Babukung dancers. Adorned with elaborate masks known as "luha," these dancers move rhythmically to the traditional Dayak music, timpa or babamba. In Dayak Tomun tradition, wearing a luha signifies a metamorphosis from a human identity to that of a spirit represented by the mask, symbolizing the dancer’s role in accompanying and honoring the deceased.

The luha masks come in a variety of forms, each carrying symbolic meaning. They may take on the shape of human faces, animal features, or even highly abstract and colorful designs. Notable masks used in the Babukung ritual include the luha barun (dragon mask), luha kudu (dog-snouted mask), luha bahayo (crocodile mask), luha tangkung (hornbill mask), luha hantu (ghost mask), luha pangua (gibbon mask), and luha belanda (Dutchman mask). These masks play an essential role in the ceremonial dance, reflecting the Dayak Tomun’s deep spiritual beliefs and cultural richness.

Since 2014, the Babukung Festival has been officially recognized by the Lamandau Regency Government as a regional cultural event. This festival is a significant initiative to support and preserve Dayak culture, celebrating its artistic and historical values. Although rooted in a funeral tradition, the Babukung Festival transforms this ritual into a vibrant celebration. The festival features a lively parade of diverse traditional mask characters (luha) and costumes, showcasing the creativity of the community. The masks are adorned with colorful and intricate designs, adding to the festival’s festive and joyful atmosphere.

Through the Babukung ceremony and the Babukung Festival, the Dayak Tomun people not only honor their ancestors and uphold their cultural traditions but also share their rich heritage with a broader audience, ensuring that their unique traditions continue to be celebrated and appreciated.