Morning increasingly moved in the afternoon. In a broad plain between the green mountains, dozens of people had gathered. Each person holding a sharp weapon or arrow, complete with all the attributes of war. Dl clear impression of fierce painted their faces. A tribal war broke out in the Valley would Baliem, Papua. Sure enough, after each set strategy, war can not be avoided. Both groups were chasing each other and releasing the arrow. While brandishing a weapon in his hand, they kept screaming to burn the spirit. While women and children running to save themselves.
You'll agree, it was certainly something very sad. But strangely, as she watched the events above, which appears just the opposite feeling. Why so how come? Because, apparently furious that the war is not a real war but a war dance or rather simulation attraction that became part of that was exhibited by the Dani tribe in Baliem Valley Cultural Festival in Wamena, Papua.
Stretched between highlanders indentations Jayawijaya, Baliem Valley has long been the largest annual cultural festival in the land of Papua. In this valley, the Dani tribe people live in harmony and united in the embrace of mountains which mengelilingnya Papua beautiful and charming nature. Aside from being a 'home', Baliem often become an arena of war by the warring tribes and became the arena of slaughter those who fight for the glory of a proud tribe.
The existence of its own new Baliem surfaced in the 1930's with a report that says that there is a group of primitive tribes who live in the valley. About 10 years later, the valley is isolated from foreign influence is increasingly recognized by the outside world, after the National Geographic magazine put this valley on the world map in the magazine publications.
This also marks the first time the valley along the 80 km and a width of 20 km is included in the map of the world. Since then too many people are curious to visit Baliem to study the various issues related to this valley. They generally work as social workers, like teachers, nurses, doctors, and missionaries who spread Christianity.
Not War-a-holic
Already long ago, the war became something inherent in the life of the Dani people and other tribes in Papua. For them, war has some deep meaning. In addition to already become traditions from generation to generation, war is considered not just a place for tribal power struggle with each other, but also a symbol of fertility and prosperity. That is, if there was no war then do not expect to harvest and pigs will be successful and healthy. If you have this, they also must prepare themselves for a bad season.
On the other hand, war is also a place to find the popularity of a tribe. With the win the war, the name of the tribe will be more famous and feared by other tribes. As for the youth, tribal war is considered as a venue looking for identity to be a real man, tough and dignified for the progress of its territory, both present and future. The outbreak of war in the region itself is caused by several things, mostly because of the boundary dispute, a woman, or because Wim (pets).
If war happens then Baliem was the arena that is often used. This does not mean the tribes were war-a-holic or always looking for a scene. For indeed, they too want to live in peace and at ease as other communities in order to establish its territory.
Interesting Variety Attractions
Since held first time in 1991, dance attractions in the language of war or dim the Dani tribe, became the main attraction at every execution Baliem Valley Cultural Festival. Uniquely, the theme is carried in this dance is not about revenge or hostility but something positive is popularly known as Yogotak Hubuluk Motog Hanorogo (hope for tomorrow must be better than today).
Baliem Festival lasts about 3 days and held every August. This dance is usually followed by about 26 tribes who inhabited the valley of Baliem. Each participant consists of 30-50 groups and each group numbered 50-100 people. The participants were each armed with spears, arrows and machetes, complete with traditional costumes and face paintings and knick knacks in the war.
In addition to the war dance, Cultural Festival offers 6 Baliem another important event which almost always held. One of them is Pikon or traditional music performances held to entertain all visitors. Made of Hite or wood, the songs are played with Pikon tells the story of human life. Uniquely, though it look easy, turned out not all Papuans could play this instrument. This instrument is able to bring the voices sound almost identical to the animal.
A variety of traditional games helped enliven Baliem Festival. This event not only can be seen, but if visitors or tourists interested, can participate in the game. Archery, throwing sege aka stick to predetermined targets, puradan, game rolling the wheel of woven rattan and sikoko, a contest throws a pawn to specific targets, is a game that is often displayed in this festival.
Not infrequently, the Festival Baliem growing popularity thanks to support events that are not less exciting and more unique. Call it kerapan pigs or pig racing contest, the race weaving and various other events.
Real Challenge
To watch the uniqueness offered Baliem Valley Cultural Festival as well as Papua's natural beauty is a challenge and requires special preparation. The long journey to go from Jakarta - Wamena, obviously cost money, time and risk is high. Not to mention, the condition for there to be said, far from any facilities that can pamper your body. Surely it will add to the long list of challenge that must be faced.
However, all doubts and difficulties that will be paid off after watching the entire series of events unique festival in the Valley Baliem. Because only here you can witness firsthand the real life of the Dani tribe. Here also you can merge and mingle with people who still adhere to traditions that may be far different from what we have. All that is found in the Valley Baliem will certainly make your trip will always be remembered throughout the ages.
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