Upland rice (huma) holds significant importance for the Baduy people. It is intertwined with numerous myths, taboos, rituals, and festivals that revolve around upland rice cultivation. In Baduy indigenous religion, upland rice is not viewed as an ordinary plant species, but rather as a religious plant. This study aims to unveil the role of upland rice in Baduy people. The study used observation, interviews, and documentation methods throughout a 3-month fieldwork period to gather data explaining the role of upland rice in the Baduy indigenous religion. The study reveals that swidden agriculture (ngahuma) is not seen as a profane, profit-oriented economic activity, but is instead understood as a sacred activity and a religious obligation in Baduy indigenous religion. Various knowledge and practices in Baduy religion are centered around upland rice, including the calendar, cosmology, taboos, myths, rituals, and festivals. In conclusion, upland rice is a cultural keystone species in the Baduy indigenous religion, as it significantly contributes to the religious system of the Baduy people and plays a key role in the structure and function of their religion.

Authors:
Asep Sandi Ruswanda, Padjadjaran University, Indonesia
Budiawati Supangkat Iskandar, Padjadjaran University, Indonesia
Dede Mulyanto, Padjadjaran University, Indonesia
Abdul Syukur, Sunan Gunung Djati State Islamic University, Indonesia

---

Conference Comments & Feedback

Place a comment using your LinkedIn profile

Comments

Share on activity feed

Post with LinkedIn

Powered by WP LinkPress

Share this Presentation

Share this...

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Linkedin

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

Last updated: 2023-02-23 23:45:00

All Posts