Ritual revitalisation as adaptation to environmental stress: skull-blessing in Bidayuh communities of Borneo. Issue 2 (4th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rubis, June Mary
• Is Part Of: Third world thematics. Volume 2:Issue 2/3(2017)
• Page Start: 356
• Page End: 375
• Publication Date: 2017-05-04
• Subjects: Borneo -- ritual -- revitalisation -- Indigenous -- Bidayuh -- adaptation; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Periodicals; 338.90091724
• DOI: 10.1080/23802014.2017.1402667
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2379-9978

Abstract

Abstract: Ritual revival can be a powerful way to organise social response to environmental stress. This case study examined how Bidayuh communities in Borneo sought to revitalise a skull-blessing ritual (Gawea Nyobang) as an adaptive social response to environmental stress. A mixed-method approach of literature review, semi-structured interviews, participant observation and collaborative ethnography was applied to this study. Results suggest that the ritual revival addresses both environmental and social factors, and possibly relies on polycentric governance and multiple-leadership. Based on these findings, a framework for an emerging revitalisation movement is developed, which is adaptive, pragmatic, and visionary.