Representation of Buayeh in the Quality of Life of the Lundayeh People

Abstract

Buayeh or crocodile plays a very important role in the life of the Lundayeh society. Their belief in buayeh, which is a ferocious river reptile, has been with them since their existence for hundreds of years. During the headhunting period the animal symbolised an enemy that was defeated. On the other hand the crocodile also symbolises strength, heroism, fame and wealth. For instance, among the Lundayeh people, strength is when a person succeeds in chopping and bringing an enemy’s head after a war or headhunting expedition and is highly regarded as a hero and a grand celebration is held to welcome him. The whole community would participate in building a crocodile image made of earth where they would perform the fekuab, a heroic song which was led by a woman, followed by the warrior’s relatives and followers. The warrior and the hero of the day would then boast and recite a self-proclamation about his fame by cutting the effigy with a sword felefet with all his might. In the case of wealth, only a man who succeeded in farming was able to build a huge Ulung Buayeh or crocodile mound in the heath forest. In this paper therefore I will examine the manifestation of the quality of life for the Lundayeh people as elements of strength, heroism, fame and wealth which are represented in the oral literature through the image of buayeh.