CONTEMPORARY MENTAWAI RECAPITULATES ANCESTRY: THE POSITION OF WOMEN IN SIBERUT SOCIETY
ABSTRACT: The indigenous
Mentawaians, who reside on Siberut Island, the archipelago off the west coast of
Sumatera, are located in communities whose culture and cosmology stem from the
traditions of Arat Sabulungan. The guidance is valuable for the social relation
of the community, nevertheless the practise subordinates certain groups in
society, especially women. For example, the gender roles in particular for
women stem from the traditional norms of Arat. However it is essentially a
social construct that favours men, and has been perpetuated through cultural
practices. The continuing position of women is being subordinated to male
dominance, which has led to resistance from women. Male dominance built on truth
claims derived from indigenous legitimacy in arat, is resisted by women. Women
are now constructing their own truth claims, and are questioning the status
quo.
Author: Maskota Delfi
Journal Code: jpantropologigg130004
