Barong Brutuk Whip Believed to Cure Diseases

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TRUNYAN not only has a unique burial tradition but this village also retains a rare traditional dance that is not found in any other village. The dance is named Barong Brutuk. In contrast to the other types of barong, Barong Brutuk does not take the shape of animals, but instead resemble a human being. The appearance of the Barong Brutuk remains very primitive as only the most rustic of materials are used for its attire.
Barong Brutuk’ clothes and ornaments are made from kraras (a type of dried banana sheath fiber weaving). Chains of the dry banana leaf are formed to resemble tassels worn around the neck and at the waist. The dry banana leaf fiber used for the Barong Brutuk, are made specifically from banana tress from the area of Pinggan village. The villages of Trunyan and Pinggan have special historical ties. Before seeking out the dry banana leaf, Trunyan vellage heads will write a letter requesting permission asking Pinggan village if they can come search for the dry banana leaves that will be used for the Brutuk. Meanwhile, the mask for the Barong Brutuk is made from coconut shell. Though its expression remains very primitive, the mask of the Barong Brutuk has its own magical aura. This aura is maintained by storing the mask in the main chamber of the village’s Pancering Jagat Temple. In addition to using dry banana leaf ornaments and a coconut shell mask, the Barong Brutuk dancers also smear their bodies with mud taken from a place named Song Rerindi.
Since it is a sacred, the dance is only performed on particular days. Typically, it is presented on the full moon in October at Pancering Jagat Temple. During the performance, the Barong Brutuk carries a 20 Meter long whip made from hibiscus bark. The Barong Brutuk dancer circles Pancering Jagat Temple, while swinging its whip. Residents who stand neat the temple during this ceremony, will be whipped by the Barong Brutuk.
Secretary of Trunyan village, Ketut Jaksa, said that according to local beliefs, the whip holds certain powers. The whip swung by Barong Brutuk is believed to be a pangenteg bayu or energy establisher. This is what makes people want to get close to the Barong, so that they can be exposed to the power of the whip. “According to local belief, whoever is exposed to the whip will be cured from their disease” said Jaksa. (BTN/kmb)www.bali-travelnews.com
balinese life & culture