West Papua is famous for Raja Ampat, which offers natural scenery, and the culture and customs of the various tribes that live there. One of the tribes in West Papua is the Doreri tribe.
The Doreri tribe is spread in several areas in West Papua, namely Nomfur, Doreri Bay, Manokwari, and the Raja Ampat Islands. The local wisdom of the Doreri tribe is very interesting to know as a form of cultural diversity in West Papua.
History of the Doreri Tribe
Historically, the doreri tribe is a tribe that originally settled on Biak Island. In the 17th or early 18th century, there were differences of opinion between families, which caused some families to move to other locations.
These locations include Doreri Bays and Manokwari. Doreri tribe habitation then developed along the coast. Until now, the Doreri tribe has spread in several West Papua areas.
Customary Head as Tribal Leader
In the doreri tribe, someone is appointed to be the head of the tribe. The customary head has a role in the tribe as a peace judge who gives sanctions to tribe members who make mistakes.
In addition, the customary head also gives permission for the location of residence and construction of houses for members of the Doreri tribe so that disputes do not arise.
Clan of The Doreri Tribe
The doreri tribe uses patrilineal principles or paternal lineage. This means that every child born male or female will use his father’s surname.
A daughter, before marriage, will use her father’s surname, then when she gets married, she will follow her husband’s surname. This means that he has come out of his father’s kinship ties, but in certain matters, she remains a member of his father’s family.
Rituals of the Doreri Tribe
The following is a ritual that is part of the tradition of the Doreri tribe in West Papua.
1. Masorandak
Masorandak is a tradition of the Doreri tribe when welcoming relatives who return to their hometown or to welcome guests who come to Doreri Bay. This tradition is part of gratitude for their safe arrival in their hometown.
In addition, this tradition is believed to drive away evil spirits that are present during the trip. Usually, the procession is simple for families who have just returned from overseas, unlike the case for welcoming guests.
Nine large plates will be provided in front of the welcoming location. Then the guest circled the plate nine times. At the end of the plate are crocodile and turtle replicas. The procession ends with the guest stepping on the crocodile and turtle replicas until they are crushed.
Because of that, masorandak is commonly known as the stampede plate tradition. After the customary leader gives a sign, the guest is treated to delicious food.
2. Farbabuk
The doreri tribe’s traditional wedding ceremony is known as farbabuk. The wedding party was held at night. The event begins with lighting a lamp made of bamboo. The bamboo lamps are placed left and right along the road to the bride’s house.
Every time the groom passes the bamboo lamp, he has to pay the bamboo lamp guard. Payment in the form of beads, plates, paseda, etc.
Arriving at the bride’s house, there is a ritual of opening the door by paying using a boat or other object according to the groom’s ability. Usually, farbabuk lasts for three days.
The bride and groom usually wear traditional clothes made from bark, bamboo, and grass. Then decorated using ornaments from grains, shells, and others.
This is a review of the Doreri tribe in West Papua. Nowadays, traditional processions may have been simplified, but the meaning contained in each ritual will remain the same.