🎵 "It's a Man's Man's Man's World"? 🎶 Not in Ngada!
Nestled in the highlands of Flores, Indonesia, the Ngada community around Bajawa lives in a region known for its stunning natural beauty. The Dongo Sa'o, a unique matrilineal marriage system, is the linchpin of their society, influencing everything from kinship to land ownership. This blog post delves into the customs, traditions, and stories of Dongo Sa'o within the Ngada culture.
Dongo Sa'o: The Social Core
Dongo Sa'o is the central element holding the Ngada society together. It governs marriage arrangements, where female relatives have the authority to approve potential spouses for their daughters or nieces. Women also play a significant role in inheritance and property matters, preserving Ngada customs and ensuring lineage continuity.
The Influence of Matriarchs
In Ngada society, women wield authority in matters of marriage. They make the final decisions about their daughters' or nieces' prospective husbands. They also play vital roles in property and inheritance. It's not about power; it's about preserving Ngada customs and family lineage.
In Flores, land isn't individually owned; clans collectively hold it. Dongo Sa'o specifically dictates that land and property pass through the female line, preserving ancestral lands for generations and sustaining traditional farming practices.
Community Unity
Dongo Sa'o fosters strong community bonds. Villagers support each other during planting and harvesting seasons, strengthening ties between clans and neighbors. This shows in all celebrations but even more so when uniting two families.
Ngada weddings are vibrant affairs with traditional dances, music, and feasts. The bride and groom wear intricate, handwoven ikat textiles, showcasing Ngada's rich cultural heritage.
Evolving Traditions in Ngada
While Dongo Sa'o remains a cornerstone of Ngada society, the winds of modernization and education have prompted some of the younger generation to explore love-based marriages, a departure from the traditional system. However, the wisdom of the matriarchs has proved remarkably resilient. The Ngada region stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of the past and present, emphasizing enduring community values.
Matrilineal Representation Worldwide
From the Khasi and Garo Tribes of Northeast India to the Akan society of Ghana and the Mosuo people in China, matrilineal societies can be found across the globe. These societies share a common thread: women play central roles in social, political, and economic life. Notably, the Minangkabau of West Sumatra, hold the distinction of being the world's widest matriarchal society, illustrating that Dongo So'a is not unique globally, even within Indonesia.
Why Discuss Matrilineal society and Matriarchy
So, why is it crucial to discuss and share the stories of these living traditions? Scholars studying matriarchal societies, including the renowned Heide Goettner-Abendroth, advocate for their recognition and preservation. By recounting the "herstory" of such ethnic groups, we shed light on these societies, challenging prevailing male-dominated narratives that have often marginalized or ignored them.
This is why we so deeply want to bring you there ! There's truly nothing like the experience of immersion.
However, don't anticipate seeing Gloria Steinem posters or any feminist iconography adorning the entrances of Bena, Luba, Gurusina, or any other village around Bajawa. Matrilineal societies don't necessarily imply gender equality. In these parts of the world, while women may hold certain positions of influence, they are still the ones diligently handwashing laundry.
Nevertheless, we believe that the resilience and strength of these women play a pivotal role in preserving the invaluable cultural heritage that has faded in other parts of Indonesia.
Heide Goettner-Abendroth eloquently emphasizes the values cherished in matriarchal cultures: peace, cooperation, and ecological sustainability.
And for us, these values are seen as vital for addressing contemporary global challenges.