Tehit's Animism

Each community in Indonesia has a distinct settlement pattern. Based on the research framework and implementation guidelines published by the 1982/1983 Regional Cultural Inventory and Documentation Project, this study, examining the contents and amenities of traditional households according to their purpose, function, and use, aims not only to gather data and information from the Tehit people but also to reveal the role of their traditional households and the extent of the traditional consumerist lifestyle of the ethnic group in question. The Tehit people are an ethnic group inhabiting the southern part of the Doberai Peninsula.

The population density is approximately 1.09 people per square kilometer, and the population growth rate averaged 6.02% per year between 1977 and 1978. Their traditional settlements are concentrated around the Teminabuan district. The residents of the sub-district in general, and specifically the village of J:iaha, are classified as Tehit ethnic groups. 

Meanwhile, the villages of Sawiat and Pasir Putih are located in mountainous areas. Of the respective populations, Haha village has 510 people and Sefai village has 520. Woloin Village. 

This area also has a tributary that flows into the headwaters of the Seremuk River. The flora and fauna are typical of the Australian continent. Therefore, the flora in this village and the Temi:ilabuan sub-district is maintained and well-preserved for the benefit of future generations. 

The number of animals living in this area is similar to that found in other parts of Irian Jaya. Therefore, it is clear that the language and arts of the Tehit tribe spread to Manokwari Regency, contributing to the expansion of household amenities. Meanwhile, boating can take 5-7 days. 

Historically, the Tehit people originated from the Toror cultural area, which encompasses the Seget Sele Peninsula. In this story, it is said that the kefi was divided by the Frisa clan, who inhabit the present-day Wenselalo village. Trade relations between this tribe were established with kingdoms on the Onin Peninsula, such as Fatagar and Arguni, and with kingdoms in the Raja Ampat Islands, such as Salawati. 

Yellow birds and slaves were traded for oriental cloth, axes, machetes, knives, and so on. Subsequently, oil drilling in Sorong was initiated by the Dutch. Due to the Japanese's tyranny over the local population, resistance erupted.

In the 1940s and 1950s, the people slowly moved toward social change, both in the form of material and immaterial culture. To this day, the Tehit tribe maintains their ancestral identity and traditions as an important part of Papua's cultural diversity. According to stories passed down through generations, their ancestors came from indigenous groups living in fertile mountainous areas and valleys rich in natural resources.

The strong supporting pillars symbolize steadfastness, while the curved roofs represent ancestral protection. The songs they sing contain moral messages, ancestral stories, and gratitude for nature. And also about the lives of their ancestors in the past.

This tradition is a legacy from our ancestors that continues to this day. Ultimately, this manifests itself in the expression "because we are brothers, we wear a loincloth," which has been passed down from our ancestors to this day. This item has no known monetary value because it is not traded, as it is a hereditary inheritance.

Based on this, we can consider clothing to be God's greatest gift, from the time of Adam, who used leaves in the Garden of Eden, to the time of nuclear testing, when people wear Levi's, and their companions in today's modern world. With sagero, all ancestral heirlooms are passed down to the next generation. This drink is usually reserved for men aged 20 and over.

This drink, considered a beautiful celestial object, appears only once in a lifetime, at parties or during major celebrations, such as August 17th, Christmas, and New Year's. Many young people are abandoning ancestral traditions due to the influence of globalization. Oral tradition is their primary means of passing on knowledge, customary laws, and ancestral stories to the younger generation.

Many young people are relearning their ancestral languages ​​to avoid being lost in the throes of modernization. Through cultural preservation and strengthening local identity, the Tehit tribe continues to demonstrate that ancestral values ​​remain relevant amidst changing times. Before modern religion, the Tehit tribe adhered to animist beliefs centered on reverence for nature spirits and ancestors.

If a violation occurs, wua (a group of spiritual beings) will appear in the form of a nuisance spirit. The most evil wua is called khol, and this spirit fears only the tali nggameri (a rope of the gods) or na agow (a god) who resides in the ik. This ritual is accompanied by prayers to the ancestral spirits for providing protection and prosperity for the entire village.

To this day, belief in ancestral spirits still coexists with the Christian teachings that have developed in the region. This belief in a supreme God began with the founding of a baptismal missionary mission in 1948, which has continued to this day. However, for the community, everything, from industrial production to traditional tools, is considered high-quality, in line with the community's view that all are human creations guided by God through His holy spirit.

Belief in animism and dynamism has been absent from ancient times until today.