Nias, Heritage and Identity
Residents of the Nias island is now almost half a million, Indigenous-coustum arguably unique and complex, too diverse. Nias is particularly famous for the social position of distinction in many rural communities, there is a competition in order to improve the position, and so big they rely on the celebration and exertion in an effort to honor the ancestors. This tradition has undergone major changes since the last century, however, they have not lost the spirit to compete.
Name Nia s probably comes from the term Niha, which mean more or less the same as the "man". Nias Island or Tano Niha (Land Man) is an island covering an area of 5,625 km 2. The island is located on the outer circle west of the island of Sumatra, about 120 Km from West Sumatra region. Nias Island, off the coast of Sumatra was known with their villages which have a social structure like state, a magnificent mansion and a distinctive architectural style.
Nias in terms of culture can be divided into three regions, namely North Nias, Central Nias and South Nias. At each of these areas there is a difference of a wide variety of art, language, and customs-at first glance may not look different, but history proves that the difference was born of a competition-from all the regions of the island of Nias, Megalith tradition is still a fascinating culture.
People in Nias are very adept at sculpting activities, sculpting, painting, processing metals such as gold and silver. In addition, they also became a fisherman, hunting animals, farming-gardening and raising poultry. Nias cultural distinctiveness is precisely reflected in the social order and custom set that covers a variety of life, architecture, art, and also related to the nature of their beliefs.
Social and Society
Nias society was divided into nobles or the king, which is basically a descendant of the founder of the village; ordinary people or ordinary people, who have the authority to rule; and Sawuyu or "slave" who formerly belonged to the aristocracy and lived outside the village. Although now the power structure seems to have been lost and the social system it has faded, but its influence is still felt very strongly to this day.
All noble families in Central and South Nias ascribed descent Hia, ancestors supposedly fell from the top to the place known as Sifalagao in Gomo, Nias Central. Ordinary people can only trace their lineage through generations. Clan nobility very authoritative in each village is claiming to be a direct descendant of the founder of the village.
Position nobility and greatness is reflected in their designations: Salaha (high) or Si'ulu (the one above), while the common people called sihono (the thousand) or sato (general). Even the property of the nobility mark their position; also a big house, headgear highest, and sits at the highest elevation at the ceremony. Si'ulu can also be interpreted as the son of heaven or the incarnation of the god of the earth.
It is obtained through inheritance and manufacture of gold jewels and jewelry and home ownership is great, making the nobles could maintain position. These objects serve as "notice" to others about their high positions as well as a liaison between the nobility and their ancestors. In South Nias, imaging of heirloom family owned jewel engraved on the walls of the house to remember the ancestors and the high position of the family.
Although the nobles have great wealth, it is a rich person's size is based on its gold-jewels, Today, the man who married Nias is not enough just to collect pig and gold; Gold jewelry should be then held a celebration to ordain; hundreds of pigs slaughtered. In addition to state and demonstrate the wealth in the celebration-referred owasa in northern Nias or tawila in South Nias-nobles who organized the celebration will get a new title and privileges of others. While the village leaders will be appointed and selected by orahua, village council composed of nobles influential.
Ceremonies of ceremony
Nias people believe that, in the sky there are nine levels of heaven and at levels above that resideLowalangi (God of Heaven). While they also believe there are nine other levels beneath the earth controlled by Latura (God of Death).
Nias community held a ceremonial rituals and animal sacrifices were intended for Lowalangi. Offerings such as eggs, produce, wine, and water intended for the ancestors and nature spirits. Other rituals are present at wedding celebrations, funerals or the funerals and parties held by the nobility.
Although nobility is entitled to the position because of heredity, title Si'ulu must be passed through the celebration. Prior to the celebration which required it, a person can not accept and is entitled to a new honorary title; only after mengelenggarakan owasa, a person will be recognized as Si'ulu.
In owasa, everyone is trying to "outdo each other", for example the dignity will be lifted by the greater number of pigs supplied; the meat will then be distributed to the public in the appropriate party rank and class, giving the meat is also addressing respect for the guests. The provision of meat on owasa also contain elements of sacred because Nias people "consider themselves" as the pigs of the gods, so the sacrifice of pigs symbolize human sacrifice. With other words, the prestige of a person is not measured by the amount of accumulated wealth, but by its ability to accumulate wealth to be shared.
Another important element of the arrangement and organization of owasa is continuous cooperation between the chiefs and villagers, nobles, and commoners whose support is needed to collect goods for the celebration. The nobles women are also able to finance their own celebration. Interestingly, a Man would put gold jewelry for his wife first before himself as a courtesy to the wife's family.
The common people are also allowed people to hold a small celebration. Of course, if they are already sufficiently prosperous, they are expected to do so. However they are not as much as the right to wear jewelery worn nobility and not allowed too often hold celebrations; also banned a party to the position to increase the level of royalty.
In the salvation of this great party, the nobles sought to obtain the rights to join the ancestors are in-the-Gods. This is done by setting up a monument and memorial stone. Monuments in the form of a stone throne called osa-osa, decorated animal heads and stone building upright. Carved stone surface as a warning to the leaders of important.
Another kind of celebration, fondrakö, also recorded in the literature of Nias. Some sources say that the celebration was held to reinforce the common law and also absolution for violations of the law that may be able to disrupt the balance of the universe. Fondrakö basically oath diikrarkannya the formation ofori (a collection of villages) when the head of the village members gather to determine the exchange rate a variety of goods, standardization of weights and measures, as well as the setting of interest.
Fondrakö confirms curse against anyone who violates the provision. It is said that fondrakö first held byHia famous of Gomo, and whenever there is a breakaway members of the village to build a new village, held fondrakö to reaffirm the rule; there is always a pig is sacrificed.
Violation of the rules ancestors are believed to punishment in the form of pain and misfortune; and the ceremony of absolution should be implemented by making a sculpture contest Horo high and headdress wearing branched stems. Formerly the priests should wear headgear of fork-shaped timber at the ceremony fondrakö.
Nias people are still celebrating various ceremonies and a party with dances, games, and rituals soldiering. Among the most spectacular event is a war dance, a show that is always present in every event Nias ceremony.
Ancestors and Gods
After death, the relationship with the ancestors persists. Wood sculpture called fights and ancestral spirits carved sculpture as an intermediary between the living with the dead. Small statues depicting the deceased is placed on a pole-family homes, and offerings of food placed on the altar shootout.
People who still live try associated with spirits for various reasons, for example, notify the birth or marriage; also ask for help to keep an eye fortune family members. It is widely believed that the ancestors protect people who are still alive, otherwise the living must comply with all regulations made forebears, including customs and rules of marriage, in terms of social apartment layout, and so on. In return, the ancestors will ensure the preservation of public welfare.
In the past, the last request of a king before he died must be obeyed. and the tombs of the nobles, in addition to the gold-gold or other valuables will also be buried with him.
The bodies were placed on an altar in advance decorated with leaves and plants as fragrances, the goal for the souls of his arrival later if returned to their homes or home recognized by these fragrances.
Nias people will hold ceremonies and rituals of death and burial by singing, parties and dances that can last more than four days. During the ceremony it is not allowed ceremonial activities besides the mourning ceremony. The bodies are usually buried on the third day. a wooden sculpture called penaltymade near the tomb so that the souls living in it and did not return.
Soldiers of Nias
Protection for Si'ulu entrusted the best knights loyal and recruited by the nobles. They are equipped with a variety of weapons such as swords decorated with fangs and teeth of crocodiles. While tooth tiger can only be possessed by the best soldiers and leaders.
Nias soldier dressed in black, often wearing a mask of fiber-sera that his form is more sinister. In the past, soldiers armed welcomed the distinguished guests at the village gate and accompanied facing chieftain as a precaution when in fact he is the enemy. The soldiers also danced dressed in full war on marriage ceremonies, funerals, harvest ceremony, and salvation. That said, It is believed to ward off evil spirits.
Jump Stone in Nias
In southern Nias, the youths in training jumping over stone walls, training to prepare them for war.Now, jump over rocks held for entertainment. Stone pillar, called hambo stone, where the young men jumping exercises, can still be found in many villages in Nias as an athletic activity that can indicate a person's capabilities and skills Nias.
Architecture and Megalithic
Nias people known for its architecture foundation that consists of a fairly complicated arrangement with the arrangement of the pole upright and tilted. Building Nias really designed to withstand the shock of an earthquake resistant. Although sturdy pillars, on the other hand poles Nias building has a level of flexibility because it does not directly anchored into the ground, but only concentrated on the foundation stone.
Nias houses mostly made of wood by various ornaments and distinctive style. Steep roof of the building and on the roof there is a "window" that can be opened, to ensure sunlight into the room, and serves to provide good air circulation. Nias roof of the house has its own peculiarities. The roof of the house was built very high covered with fibers of palm-contemporary house roof made of zinc and some also use other materials to build houses.
Houses of the North Nias distinguished by a distinctive floor plans essentially due to an oval. The roof consists of a lighter structure with part of the roof which made the room without hindrance. This allows the upper level of lantainnya as a primary residence.
The house of chiefs or nobles called omo sebual. The buildings are very different from most homes.Apart from the architecture of the house, omo sebual many decorated with the "symbols of war and also a statue in the vicinity. Megalith stone obelisks seem placed in front of the court, usually as a gathering place for the community. This stone not only consist of a form of menhirs, but also in the form of long benches, and stools and also bari a king's throne.
Monuments of stone (rock oil) located at the front of the house can address the social status of the owner of the house. Usually as a sign or warning and appreciation for his services-and services-in the past ancestors.
Not arbitrary to set up a stone monument. In the establishment of menhirs faulu governed by custom and endorsed by the head of customs. The right to erect a statue set up by the village council whose members will consider: Mokho (wealth), Molakhomi (leadership), Faasia (age or age), Onekhe (wit or finesse).
In terms of spatial village, Nias community generally build houses in two rows of houses (left and right) that flank the main road or ewali with floor-mopping floors as a stone base. Apart from being home to stay), People familiar with the term home Nias also used as a meeting place called the bale. The location of the bale is usually located near the house of the head of customs and were near empty area that is wide enough (gorahua newali)
In the past, when it was still frequent wars and invasion of other areas, the village would normally be protected by a fence of bamboo poles that have been sharpened by the deep trench behind a fence.While on defense in the protected walls of stone that is thick enough to have only one entrance that is always guarded by the best warriors who live in the houses in case.
Name Nia s probably comes from the term Niha, which mean more or less the same as the "man". Nias Island or Tano Niha (Land Man) is an island covering an area of 5,625 km 2. The island is located on the outer circle west of the island of Sumatra, about 120 Km from West Sumatra region. Nias Island, off the coast of Sumatra was known with their villages which have a social structure like state, a magnificent mansion and a distinctive architectural style.
Nias in terms of culture can be divided into three regions, namely North Nias, Central Nias and South Nias. At each of these areas there is a difference of a wide variety of art, language, and customs-at first glance may not look different, but history proves that the difference was born of a competition-from all the regions of the island of Nias, Megalith tradition is still a fascinating culture.
People in Nias are very adept at sculpting activities, sculpting, painting, processing metals such as gold and silver. In addition, they also became a fisherman, hunting animals, farming-gardening and raising poultry. Nias cultural distinctiveness is precisely reflected in the social order and custom set that covers a variety of life, architecture, art, and also related to the nature of their beliefs.
Social and Society
Nias society was divided into nobles or the king, which is basically a descendant of the founder of the village; ordinary people or ordinary people, who have the authority to rule; and Sawuyu or "slave" who formerly belonged to the aristocracy and lived outside the village. Although now the power structure seems to have been lost and the social system it has faded, but its influence is still felt very strongly to this day.
All noble families in Central and South Nias ascribed descent Hia, ancestors supposedly fell from the top to the place known as Sifalagao in Gomo, Nias Central. Ordinary people can only trace their lineage through generations. Clan nobility very authoritative in each village is claiming to be a direct descendant of the founder of the village.
Position nobility and greatness is reflected in their designations: Salaha (high) or Si'ulu (the one above), while the common people called sihono (the thousand) or sato (general). Even the property of the nobility mark their position; also a big house, headgear highest, and sits at the highest elevation at the ceremony. Si'ulu can also be interpreted as the son of heaven or the incarnation of the god of the earth.
It is obtained through inheritance and manufacture of gold jewels and jewelry and home ownership is great, making the nobles could maintain position. These objects serve as "notice" to others about their high positions as well as a liaison between the nobility and their ancestors. In South Nias, imaging of heirloom family owned jewel engraved on the walls of the house to remember the ancestors and the high position of the family.
Although the nobles have great wealth, it is a rich person's size is based on its gold-jewels, Today, the man who married Nias is not enough just to collect pig and gold; Gold jewelry should be then held a celebration to ordain; hundreds of pigs slaughtered. In addition to state and demonstrate the wealth in the celebration-referred owasa in northern Nias or tawila in South Nias-nobles who organized the celebration will get a new title and privileges of others. While the village leaders will be appointed and selected by orahua, village council composed of nobles influential.
Ceremonies of ceremony
Nias people believe that, in the sky there are nine levels of heaven and at levels above that resideLowalangi (God of Heaven). While they also believe there are nine other levels beneath the earth controlled by Latura (God of Death).
Nias community held a ceremonial rituals and animal sacrifices were intended for Lowalangi. Offerings such as eggs, produce, wine, and water intended for the ancestors and nature spirits. Other rituals are present at wedding celebrations, funerals or the funerals and parties held by the nobility.
Although nobility is entitled to the position because of heredity, title Si'ulu must be passed through the celebration. Prior to the celebration which required it, a person can not accept and is entitled to a new honorary title; only after mengelenggarakan owasa, a person will be recognized as Si'ulu.
In owasa, everyone is trying to "outdo each other", for example the dignity will be lifted by the greater number of pigs supplied; the meat will then be distributed to the public in the appropriate party rank and class, giving the meat is also addressing respect for the guests. The provision of meat on owasa also contain elements of sacred because Nias people "consider themselves" as the pigs of the gods, so the sacrifice of pigs symbolize human sacrifice. With other words, the prestige of a person is not measured by the amount of accumulated wealth, but by its ability to accumulate wealth to be shared.
Another important element of the arrangement and organization of owasa is continuous cooperation between the chiefs and villagers, nobles, and commoners whose support is needed to collect goods for the celebration. The nobles women are also able to finance their own celebration. Interestingly, a Man would put gold jewelry for his wife first before himself as a courtesy to the wife's family.
The common people are also allowed people to hold a small celebration. Of course, if they are already sufficiently prosperous, they are expected to do so. However they are not as much as the right to wear jewelery worn nobility and not allowed too often hold celebrations; also banned a party to the position to increase the level of royalty.
In the salvation of this great party, the nobles sought to obtain the rights to join the ancestors are in-the-Gods. This is done by setting up a monument and memorial stone. Monuments in the form of a stone throne called osa-osa, decorated animal heads and stone building upright. Carved stone surface as a warning to the leaders of important.
Another kind of celebration, fondrakö, also recorded in the literature of Nias. Some sources say that the celebration was held to reinforce the common law and also absolution for violations of the law that may be able to disrupt the balance of the universe. Fondrakö basically oath diikrarkannya the formation ofori (a collection of villages) when the head of the village members gather to determine the exchange rate a variety of goods, standardization of weights and measures, as well as the setting of interest.
Fondrakö confirms curse against anyone who violates the provision. It is said that fondrakö first held byHia famous of Gomo, and whenever there is a breakaway members of the village to build a new village, held fondrakö to reaffirm the rule; there is always a pig is sacrificed.
Violation of the rules ancestors are believed to punishment in the form of pain and misfortune; and the ceremony of absolution should be implemented by making a sculpture contest Horo high and headdress wearing branched stems. Formerly the priests should wear headgear of fork-shaped timber at the ceremony fondrakö.
Nias people are still celebrating various ceremonies and a party with dances, games, and rituals soldiering. Among the most spectacular event is a war dance, a show that is always present in every event Nias ceremony.
Ancestors and Gods
After death, the relationship with the ancestors persists. Wood sculpture called fights and ancestral spirits carved sculpture as an intermediary between the living with the dead. Small statues depicting the deceased is placed on a pole-family homes, and offerings of food placed on the altar shootout.
People who still live try associated with spirits for various reasons, for example, notify the birth or marriage; also ask for help to keep an eye fortune family members. It is widely believed that the ancestors protect people who are still alive, otherwise the living must comply with all regulations made forebears, including customs and rules of marriage, in terms of social apartment layout, and so on. In return, the ancestors will ensure the preservation of public welfare.
In the past, the last request of a king before he died must be obeyed. and the tombs of the nobles, in addition to the gold-gold or other valuables will also be buried with him.
The bodies were placed on an altar in advance decorated with leaves and plants as fragrances, the goal for the souls of his arrival later if returned to their homes or home recognized by these fragrances.
Nias people will hold ceremonies and rituals of death and burial by singing, parties and dances that can last more than four days. During the ceremony it is not allowed ceremonial activities besides the mourning ceremony. The bodies are usually buried on the third day. a wooden sculpture called penaltymade near the tomb so that the souls living in it and did not return.
Soldiers of Nias
Protection for Si'ulu entrusted the best knights loyal and recruited by the nobles. They are equipped with a variety of weapons such as swords decorated with fangs and teeth of crocodiles. While tooth tiger can only be possessed by the best soldiers and leaders.
Nias soldier dressed in black, often wearing a mask of fiber-sera that his form is more sinister. In the past, soldiers armed welcomed the distinguished guests at the village gate and accompanied facing chieftain as a precaution when in fact he is the enemy. The soldiers also danced dressed in full war on marriage ceremonies, funerals, harvest ceremony, and salvation. That said, It is believed to ward off evil spirits.
Jump Stone in Nias
In southern Nias, the youths in training jumping over stone walls, training to prepare them for war.Now, jump over rocks held for entertainment. Stone pillar, called hambo stone, where the young men jumping exercises, can still be found in many villages in Nias as an athletic activity that can indicate a person's capabilities and skills Nias.
Architecture and Megalithic
Nias people known for its architecture foundation that consists of a fairly complicated arrangement with the arrangement of the pole upright and tilted. Building Nias really designed to withstand the shock of an earthquake resistant. Although sturdy pillars, on the other hand poles Nias building has a level of flexibility because it does not directly anchored into the ground, but only concentrated on the foundation stone.
Nias houses mostly made of wood by various ornaments and distinctive style. Steep roof of the building and on the roof there is a "window" that can be opened, to ensure sunlight into the room, and serves to provide good air circulation. Nias roof of the house has its own peculiarities. The roof of the house was built very high covered with fibers of palm-contemporary house roof made of zinc and some also use other materials to build houses.
Houses of the North Nias distinguished by a distinctive floor plans essentially due to an oval. The roof consists of a lighter structure with part of the roof which made the room without hindrance. This allows the upper level of lantainnya as a primary residence.
The house of chiefs or nobles called omo sebual. The buildings are very different from most homes.Apart from the architecture of the house, omo sebual many decorated with the "symbols of war and also a statue in the vicinity. Megalith stone obelisks seem placed in front of the court, usually as a gathering place for the community. This stone not only consist of a form of menhirs, but also in the form of long benches, and stools and also bari a king's throne.
Monuments of stone (rock oil) located at the front of the house can address the social status of the owner of the house. Usually as a sign or warning and appreciation for his services-and services-in the past ancestors.
Not arbitrary to set up a stone monument. In the establishment of menhirs faulu governed by custom and endorsed by the head of customs. The right to erect a statue set up by the village council whose members will consider: Mokho (wealth), Molakhomi (leadership), Faasia (age or age), Onekhe (wit or finesse).
In terms of spatial village, Nias community generally build houses in two rows of houses (left and right) that flank the main road or ewali with floor-mopping floors as a stone base. Apart from being home to stay), People familiar with the term home Nias also used as a meeting place called the bale. The location of the bale is usually located near the house of the head of customs and were near empty area that is wide enough (gorahua newali)
In the past, when it was still frequent wars and invasion of other areas, the village would normally be protected by a fence of bamboo poles that have been sharpened by the deep trench behind a fence.While on defense in the protected walls of stone that is thick enough to have only one entrance that is always guarded by the best warriors who live in the houses in case.