Nias name probably comes from the term Niha, mean more or less the same as the "man". Nias Island or Tano Niha (Land of Man) is an island covering an area of 5,625 km2. This island is located on the outer circle west of the island of Sumatra, about 120 Km from West Sumatra region. Nias Island, off the coast of Sumatra was known with their villages which have a social structure like state, a magnificent mansion and distinctive architectural style.
Nias in terms of culture can be divided into three regions, namely North Nias, Central Nias and South Nias. In each of these areas there is a difference from a wide variety of art, language, and customs-at first glance may not look different, but history proves that the difference is born of competition-from all the regions of the island of Nias, Megalith tradition is still a fascinating culture.
People in Nias is very proficient in the activities of a statue, sculpture, painting, refine metals like gold and silver. In addition, they have also become a fisherman, hunt animals, farming-gardening and raising poultry. Nias cultural peculiarities set precisely reflected in the social and cultural order that covers a variety of life, architecture, art, and also relates to the nature of their beliefs.
Position and Society
Nias society was divided into nobles or the king, which is basically a descendant of the founders of
All the noble families in Central and South Nias ascribed Hia descendants, ancestors supposedly fell from the top to the place known as Sifalagao in Gomo, Nias Central. Ordinary people can only trace their lineage through several generations. Marga royalty highly authoritative in every village is claiming to be a direct descendant of the founder of the village.
Position nobility and greatness is reflected in their designations: Salaha (high) or Si'ulu (from above), while the common people called sihono (the thousand) or sato (general). Even property from the nobility mark their position; also a big house, headgear highest, and sits at the highest elevation at the ceremony. Si'ulu can also be interpreted as the son of heaven or incarnation of the god of the earth.
It is obtained through inheritance and manufacture of gold jewels and jewelry and home ownership were great, making the nobles can maintain position. These objects serve as "notice" to other people about their high positions as well as a liaison between the nobility and their ancestors. In South Nias, imaging of the family-owned heritage jewel engraved on the walls of the house to remember the ancestors and the family's high position.
Although the nobles had great wealth, the size of a person is wealthy is based on its gold-jewels, Today, men who marry Nias is not enough just to collect pig and gold; gold should be used as jewelry and then held a celebration to ordain; hundreds of pigs slaughtered. In addition to state and show the wealth of the celebration-referred owasa in northern Nias or tawila in South Nias-nobles who organized the celebration will get a new title and privileges of others. While village leaders will be appointed and selected by Orahua, village council composed of nobles who influential.
Ceremonies ceremony
Nias people believe that, in the sky there are nine levels of heaven and at levels above the dwelling Lowalangi (God of Heaven). While they also believe there are nine other levels under the earth controlled by Latura (God of Death).
Nias community held a ritual and ceremonial sacrifices of animals intended for Lowalangi. Offerings such as eggs, produce, wine, and water intended for the ancestors and nature spirits. Other rituals are present at wedding celebrations, funerals or the funerals and feasts were held by the nobility.
Although nobility is entitled to the position because of heredity, Si'ulu degree must be authenticated through the celebration. Prior to the celebration that required it, a person can not accept and is entitled to a new honorary title; just after mengelenggarakan owasa, a person will be recognized as Si'ulu.
In owasa, everyone is trying to "outdo each other", for example the dignity will be lifted by the greater number of pigs supplied; then the meat will be distributed at the party to the public in accordance rank and class, giving the meat is also addressing respect for the guests. Giving meat on holy owasa also contain elements for Nias people "consider themselves" as the pigs of the gods, so the sacrifice of pigs symbolize human sacrifice. With other words, the prestige of a person is not measured by the amount of accumulated wealth, but by its ability to accumulate wealth to be shared.
Another important element is the structuring and implementation owasa continuous cooperation between the chiefs and villagers, nobles, and commoners whose support is needed to collect goods for the celebration. The nobles women are also able to finance their own celebration. Interestingly, a Man would put gold jewelry for his wife first before herself as a courtesy to the wife's family.
The common people are also allowed to hold a small celebration of the people. Of course, if they are quite prosperous, they are expected to do so. However, they are not as entitled to wear jewelery as worn nobility and not allowed too often hold celebrations; also prohibited from having a party to raise the level to the position of royalty.
In the salvation of this great party, the nobles tried to obtain the rights to join the ancestors in-god-kan. This is done by setting up a monument and memorial stone. Monuments in the form of a stone throne called osa-osa, decorated animal heads and stone building upright. Carved stone surface as a warning to the leaders is important.
Another kind of celebration, fondrakö also documented in the literature Nias. Some sources say that the celebration was held to reinforce customary law and also absolution for violations of the law that might have upset the balance of the universe. Fondrakö basically oath diikrarkannya the formation of ori (a collection of villages) when the village head members gather to determine the exchange rates of various goods, standardization of weights and measures, as well as the setting of interest.
Fondrakö confirms curse against anyone who violates the provision. It is said that the first fondrakö held by Hia-known from Gomo, and whenever there are members of the village who broke away to build a new village, held fondrakö to reaffirm the rule; there is always a pig is sacrificed.
Violation of the rules of the ancestors are believed to punishment in the form of pain and misfortune; and the ceremony of absolution should be implemented in a way to make a sculpture contest Horo tall headdress wearing branched stems. Formerly the clergy should wear headgear of fork-shaped timber at the ceremony fondrakö.
The people of Nias are still celebrates various ceremonies and parties with dances, games and rituals soldiering. Among the most spectacular event is a war dance, a show that is always present in each event Nias ceremony.
Ancestors and Gods
After death, the relationship with the ancestors persists. Wooden statues and sculptures contest called ancestral spirits carved as an intermediary between the living with the dead. Small statues depicting the deceased person is placed on the pole-family homes, and offerings of food placed on the altar shootout.
People who are still alive tried associated with spirits for various reasons, for example, notify their birth or marriage; also ask for help to keep an eye fortune family members. It is widely believed that the ancestors to protect people who are still alive, who are still alive must otherwise comply with all regulations made forebears, including customs and rules of marriage, in terms of social apartment layout, and so on. In return, the ancestors will ensure the preservation of public welfare.
In the past, the last request of a king before he died must be obeyed. and the tombs of the nobles, in addition to gold-gold or other valuables will also be buried with him.
The bodies were placed on an altar in advance decorated with leaves and plants as fragrances, the goal for the arrival of the ghost of his later if returned to their homes or home recognized by these fragrances.
Nias people will hold ceremonies and rituals of death and burial with singing, parties and dances that can last more than four days. During the ceremony it is not allowed ceremonial activities in addition to the mourning ceremony. The bodies are usually buried on the third day. a wooden sculpture called shootout created near the tomb so that the souls live in it and did not return.
soldiers Nias
Protection for Si'ulu entrusted best knights loyal and recruited by the nobles. They are equipped with a variety of weapons such as swords decorated with fangs and a crocodile's teeth. While the tiger's teeth can only be possessed by the best warriors and leaders.
Nias soldier dressed in black, often wearing masks of fiber-sera that his form is more sinister. In the past, soldiers armed welcomed honored guests in the village gate and accompany overlooking chieftain as a precaution when in fact he is the enemy. The soldiers also danced dressed in full war on marriage ceremonies, funerals, harvest ceremony, and salvation. That said, It is believed to ward off evil spirits.
In southern Nias, the youths on the train jumped over a stone wall, exercises to prepare them for war. Now, skipping stones held for entertainment. Stone pillar, called hambo stone, where youth jumping exercises, can still be found in many villages in Nias as an athletic activity that may indicate a person's ability and expertise Nias.
Architecture and Megalithic
Nias people famous architectural foundation that will consists of a fairly complicated arrangement with the arrangement of the pole upright and tilted. Building Nias really designed to withstand the shock of an earthquake resistant. Despite the sturdy pillars, on the other side of the building poles Nias has a level of flexibility because it does not directly anchored into the ground but only concentrated on the foundation stone.
The houses are mostly made of wood Nias by various ornaments and patterns are typical. Steep roof of the building and on the roof there is a "window" that can be opened, to ensure sunlight into the room as well as function to provide good air circulation. Nias house roof has its own peculiarities. The roof of the house was built very high-covered fibers of the palm-contemporary house roof made of zinc and some other materials have also been used to build houses.
Houses of the North Nias distinguished by a distinctive floor plans essentially due to an oval. The roof is made up of lighter structures with part of the roof which made the room without hindrance. This allows the upper level of lantainnya as a primary residence.
The house of chiefs or nobles called omo sebual. The building is very different from most homes. Apart from the architecture of the house, omo sebual many decorated with the "symbols of war and also a statue in the vicinity. Monuments of stone megaliths visible placed in front of the court, usually as a gathering place for the community. This stone not only consist of a form of menhirs, but also in the form of long benches, and stools and also throne bari King.
Monuments of stone (rock oil) located at the front of the house can address the social status of the owner of the house. Usually as a sign or warning and appreciation for his services-and services-ancestors in the past.
Not arbitrary to set up a stone monument. In the creation of menhir faulu governed by customary and approved by the head of customs. The right to erect a statue set up by the village council whose members will consider: Mokho (wealth), Molakhomi (leadership), Faasia (age or age), Onekhe (wit or finesse).
In terms of spatial village, Nias community generally build houses in two rows of houses (left and right) flanking the main road or ewali with floor-laintai stone as a base. Apart from being home to stay), Nias people are also familiar with the term home is used as a meeting place called bale. The location of the bale is usually located near the house of the head of customs and were near empty area that is wide enough (gorahua newali)
In the past, when it was still frequent wars and invasion of other areas, the village will usually be protected by a fence of bamboo poles that have been sharpened by the deep trench behind a fence. While on defense in the protected walls of rock that is thick enough to only have one entrance that is always guarded by the best warriors who live in homes in case.
