Bukit's Animism


The Dayak people in the southern Meratus mountains speak the Dayak Meratus language which is also a Malay language, like the Banjar language. In prehistoric times, long before humans knew how to write, humans had beliefs that were animistic and dynamic. What is meant by animism and dynamism?

Animism is a belief in spirits that inhabit all objects. The spirit has supernatural powers called mana. The spirit/soul in humans is called jiwa.

However, if a human dies, the spirit leaves the body forever. The spirit that leaves the human body forever is called arwah. Therefore, they are respected, as are our ancestors.

Thus, a belief arose that worships the spirits of ancestors. According to animism, spirits live in the spirit world on the mountain. Usually, so that the relationship with the spirits of ancestors is well maintained, statues of ancestors are made for worship.

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