Maluku Archeology Center Exhibits Traditional Tribal Stone Tools

PHOTO VIA ANTARA/Illustration of excavation

AMBON - The Hatusua Civilization House Exhibition held by the Maluku Archeology Center in West Seram Regency displayed a replica of a stone tool for pounding bark to make cloth covering the bodies of traditional tribesmen on Seram Island.

Head of the Maluku Archeology Center Bambang Sugiyanto, said that the Hatusua Civilization House exhibition was an activity to introduce research results and findings related to archeology in Maluku and North Maluku Provinces, so that the public would know.

In the activity at the Hatuhuran building, Hatusua Village, Kairatu District, the replica stone tools on display were imitations of stone tools that were once discovered by archaeologists from the Maluku Archeology Center when conducting a research survey in the central part of the Seram Islands.

In the past, he said, the stone tool was used by the traditional people of Seram Island to pound the bark which would be used as a cloth covering the body in the form of a loincloth for men and a kemben for women.

In the historical record of Maluku regarding the traditional people who live on Seram Island, the manufacture of body coverings, especially for men, is related to the "kakehang" tradition or confirmation of maturity. Only those who have passed the "kakaheng" process are allowed to wear a body covering.

Although replicas, cultural heritage objects that are closely related to the traditions of the traditional people of Seram Island, attracted the attention of many visitors to the Hatusua Civilization House exhibition.

The exhibition lasts for two days, 15-16 September 2021. The activity also exhibits a number of research materials and archaeological surveys on Seram Island.

He said the exhibition themed "Diversity" includes several events, including exhibitions, pottery drawing competitions for elementary students, visits to ancient sites in Hatusua, and distribution of enrichment books about Seram Island.

"Hatusua was chosen as the location for the Civilization House because the development of archaeological research in this area is quite significant and provides knowledge regarding the diversity of the Indonesian nation," said Bambang.