Amid the rapid currents of modernization and changing times, there are still groups in society who steadfastly uphold their ancestral way of life. As reported by salampapua.com, one of them is the Bauzi tribe, a community residing in the upper reaches of the Mamberamo River, Papua.
There, hunting crocodiles is not just an activity for finding food—it’s a part of their cultural heritage that is intertwined with their beliefs and way of life. The Mamberamo River, which flows for 670 kilometres, is not only a transportation route and a source of life but also a hunting ground for the Bauzi tribe. In this region, the tradition of hunting and gathering is not just a memory of the past, but a daily activity that continues to this day.
Living in Harmony with Nature
According to archaeologist Hari Sroto’s research titled “Hunting Traditions of the Bauzi Tribe in Mamberamo Raya,” the Bauzi tribe adheres to a semi-nomadic lifestyle. They live in small groups based on clans, build temporary houses that are easy to dismantle, and move around depending on the season and the availability of game.
Although their land is fertile and suitable for agriculture, the Bauzi tribe prefers hunting over farming. They only plant crops that don’t require much maintenance, such as bananas and cassava. Occasionally, they also raise piglets caught in the wild.
The Tradition of Crocodile Hunting
From various types of game animals such as cuscus, deer, to cassowaries, crocodiles hold a special place in Bauzi culture. Hunting them is not an easy job. They use traditional tools in the form of spears made from nibung wood and rattan ropes. The hunting process requires great courage and exceptional skill. The hunters dive to the bottom of the river armed only with instinct and a rope.
They only attack the crocodile when its eyes are closed—a sign that the reptile is off guard. If the crocodile is successfully subdued, its skin is taken home, its meat is used as food, while its fat is used for cooking sago and treating malaria. the head of a crocodile, especially its skull, is believed to possess spiritual power. The head is usually given to the hunter who successfully dives and catches the crocodile, as a form of respect and also a “legacy of strength.”
Preserving Heritage Amidst Change
Amid the threat of losing local cultures due to globalization, the Bauzi tribe serves as a real example of how communities can survive and adapt without losing their identity. Their tradition is not just about preserving a way of life, but also about viewing nature as a partner, not just a resource.
The government and cultural institutions are expected to pay more attention to tribal groups like the Bauzi tribe. Not to change their way of life, but to protect their rights and ancestral lands so that their culture and local wisdom remain sustainable.
“What some people consider primitive, for the Bauzi tribe, is wisdom.” “They live in harmony with nature and remain united with their ancestors,” said Hari Sroto.
https://kbk.news/suku-bauzi-pemburu-buaya-dari-pedalaman-papua-yang-masih-memegang-tradisi-leluhur
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