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Asmat's Animism

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The coastal population is further divided into 2 parts, namely the Bisman tribe located between the Sinesty River and the Simai tribe on the Nin River. The survival and foraging habits of the 1 tribe and the other tribes in the Citak Mitak district are almost identical. Those who live in Agats are now also accustomed to getting drunk; they are more prone to going berserk, and their wives will also receive more violence. This habit is carried out because they live in a village near the Baliem River, so that the air temperature during the day feels warm & not as cold as in the morning. Quoting the Indonesia.go.id page, in this tradition, stones will be inserted into a hole about 50 cm deep & stacked with grass, vegetables, meat, betatas, hipere, and bananas. The belief system adopted by the Asmat tribe is generally Catholic, besides Protestant Christianity & animism. Although there are Catholics & Christians, some Asmat people still adhere to the animism belief system, na...

Tobati's Animism

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Before the entry of Christianity & Islam into Jayapura, the Tobati tribe still adhered to animism/belief in ancestors. This traditional house, with a height of 20 - 30 m, is specifically for men aged 12 years and over. Also, it functions as a place for traditional ceremonies, as well as a place to educate boys in earning a living & also how to survive. As for the conical roof shape, in Tobati tradition that they can be closer to their ancestors. Before knowing Islam & Christianity, the Tobati tribe adhered to animism, believing in the power of ancestors. The symbol of this belief can be seen in the conical shape of the kariwari house, as a form of respect for ancestors. The conical / pyramid-shaped roof shape is interpreted by the Tobati tribe as a form of respect for their ancestors & to bring them closer to God. This settlement is a witness to a long history involving relations with the Tidore Sultanate to the spread of religion by Dutch missionaries.