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Ampanang |
|
People Group: |
Ampanang |
 |
| Location: |
Indonesia |
| Population: |
33,000 |
| Religion: |
Ethnic Religion |
| % Christian: |
0.0% |
| % Evangelical: |
0.0% |
| Ministry
Resources: |
No known Believers,
No Resources |
|
|
Total People Group
Population: |
33,000 |
Other countries People
Group Linked to: |
None |
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Additional Information:
Introduction / History
The Ampanang people group lives just east of Central Kalimantan,
southeast of the city of Tunjung, not far from the cities of Jambu and
Lamper. Kalimantan, meaning "River of Diamonds," is the name for the
Indonesian two-thirds of the island of Borneo; Malaysia and Brunei
occupy the other one-third. The Ampanang are one of the people groups in
the Barito cluster, which is part of the larger Dayak ethno-linguistic
complex. Dayak peoples tend to live alongside the interior rivers of
Kalimantan. They are sometimes sub-divided as either Land or Sea Dayaks,
although this is primarily a European designation to distinguish the
various groups. They are usually further characterized by: (1) bilinear
inheritance and bilateral kinship reckoning; (2) uxorilocal residence or
living with or near the kin of the wife; (3) political unity rarely
above the level of the village; (4) absence of social stratification
(although slavery is or was practiced by some groups); (5) multifamily
dwellings (often including longhouses); and (6) in most cases, secondary
burials. The Dayak tribes apparently came from West Asia as a migration
of the Mongols who entered the archipelago through the southern
Kalimantan coastal city, which is now called Martapura.
 What
are their lives like?
The primary means of livelihood for the Ampanang include hunting,
gathering forest products, fishing, farming, and trade. Although most
Ampanang live beside rivers, there are also those who live in areas far
from any river. The Ampanang culture is intertwined with their belief in
unseen spirits. In the same way, the arts and various other activities
are incorporated into their belief system. The Ampanang also uphold
various traditional ceremonies. These ceremonies include matchmaking and
engagement, marriage, pregnancy, birth, healing of a sickness, and
burial. Ritual ceremonies are also often observed during the time of
celebrating their important holidays.
What are their beliefs?
Generally the Ampanang people are followers of the traditional Dayak
beliefs, called Kaharingan. In addition, some are also followers of the
Nyuli belief. The focus of the Nyuli teaching is that there is a
resurrection after death (Suli). According to Nyuli teaching, Bukit
Lumut releases the departed spirit. Such a spirit then returns to their
village, bringing something from eternity that can be used to improve
the condition of the world. The Ampanang people also give praise to the
spirits of their ancestors (duwata). Each Ampanang family has a place of
worship for their own duwata in their house. This place of worship is
usually called kunau. They also use a pangantuhu, a piece of human bone,
as a tool to call departed ancestors.
What are their needs?
Recently, there has been significant change in the life, traditions,
worldview, and community systems of the Ampanang. This has occurred in
conjunction with their greater mobility and contact with the outside
world, and their new openness to outsiders. The Ampanang need formal
education and skills development in order to face the changes they are
experiencing. Sufficient education and skill improvement can help them
rise above poverty. Improvement in health is also still greatly needed.
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