Kurulu

Wamena, the capital of Jayawijaya Regency in the Baliem Valley, Papua, is the cultural center of the Dani tribe which is rich in traditions and customs. One of the traditions that stands out is the stone burning ceremony, which in local language is called "kit oba isago".

The stone burning ceremony is a communal cooking ritual using stones that are heated until they are red hot. This tradition has deep meaning as an expression of gratitude to God and a symbol of strong solidarity among community members. This ritual is usually carried out on various important occasions, such as celebrating births, weddings, deaths, clearing fields, or as a form of peace after conflict.

The stone burning process begins with collecting materials such as firewood, stones, and the food to be cooked, such as pork, chicken, tubers, and vegetables. The stones are heated over a fire until they are red hot, then placed in a prepared hole and lined with leaves or grass. On the hot stone, food ingredients are arranged in layers, starting from vegetables, meat, to tubers, then covered again with leaves and hot stones. After a few hours, the food cooked this way is ready to be enjoyed together.

The uniqueness of Wamena culture lies not only in the tradition of burning stones, but also in various aspects of people's lives. The Dani tribe, for example, is known for their traditional houses called "honai", which are round-shaped houses with thatched roofs designed to maintain warmth in cold mountain areas. In addition, traditional clothing such as the "koteka" worn by Dani men is a symbol of distinctive cultural identity.

Interestingly, the tradition of burning stones also reflects the tolerance of the Papuan people. In its development, the Muslim community in Wamena has also implemented this tradition by replacing pork with chicken, so that all members of the community, regardless of religious background, can participate and enjoy the meal together.

Overall, the tradition of burning stones in Wamena is not only a symbol of togetherness and gratitude, but also reflects the strong values ​​of tolerance and harmony among the Papuan people.Read more