Selayar Islands Regency – On the third day of their visit to Selayar Islands, October, 3rd 2020, Arka Kinari crews continued their series of activities by visiting several sites related to the Spice Routes program. The locations strengthen the significant role that Selayar played within the spice trade routes in the past.
Bronze Nekara from Dongson, made in Xianji, China in 300 AD became one of the proofs. Moreover, the symbol of the cultural fusion of Indonesia, China, and Vietnam found in the Nekara strengthened the proof.
The Bronze Nekara functioned as a religious ritual, a symbol of social status, war sign, and wind direction. In this location, three of the crews, Sarah, Claire, and Titi tried to interpret the symbols on the side of the Bronze Nekara that held the uniqueness concerning the weather, wind direction, and both land and sea animals.
Anchor and cannon found in Selayar Islands Regency became other strong proofs. The cannon located in the Anchor and Cannon Museum was owned by a Chinese descent merchant named Baba Desan who came to find sea products using his ship. His ship was equipped with weapons to defend himself against the pirates.
Their next destination was Nekara Museum that was located near the Anchor Museum. In the museum, they got some explanations concerning the museum collection, including Selayar woven fabric, corn grinder, firearms, earthenware craft, and Lengang-Lengang and Lontara letters. Further, the crews also conducted a workshop by writing ‘Terima Kasih’ [thank you] and ‘Arka Kinari’ using both letters.
As the closing activity for the day, all the crews gathered at the location of the Selayar Green Gold Festival 2020. The Pengellai dance which means to invite the guests who come to the district of the Selayar Islands Regency was performed on the second day of the festival. There was also Tarian Permainan Bambu [Bamboo Stick Dance] that is commonly performed in front of the king and queen and as an expression of gratitude towards the yields. During the performance, the dancers invited several Arka Kinari crews to dance with them, accompanied by Selayar Islands’ traditional music, produced by gendang and pui-pui.
The performance of some musicians and free foods for the guests from the culinary tour exhibition enlivened the festival. Finally, the Selayar Green Gold Festival 2020 was closed by giving the miniature of Arka Kinari and the spices as the local products to the crews as gifts.
Text: Putri A.F.
Editor: Doni Ahmadi
Translator: Dhiani Probhosiwi
