Maleng Ta`u is a traditional ceremony of Dayak Kenyah conducted prior to tanam padi (rice planting) or when planning a land-clearing.  It has been a tradition for generations. It must be done in accordance with their customary law. In practice, Maleng Ta`u can only be carried on in the leadership of an imam adat (head of adat) who has admittance of and is appointed by prominent figures of adat through a traditional inauguration ceremony. An imam that has been ordained will be given the title “Mengamen Bai`”. By the Mengamen Bai`, any intention, plan, and wish will be delivered to the Gods, to Bungan Malan Peselung Luan (the Creator) or Bali Utung, for instance. Offerings are an inseparable part of the attempts of begging. One scene in Maleng Ta`u ceremony is a heroic dance performance telling a story of warriors coming back from a battlefield. This is considered as an essential feature in the ceremony.

(Tunggul Tauladan/ensi/01/01-2010)

Translation by Reza Daffi (terj/08/02-10)

Reference:

• Downloaded from http://www.wisata-kutaibarat.com, on January 28, 2010.