Tarik Batu (stone-pulling ceremony)

Tarik Batu (stone-pulling ceremony)Geologists commonly referred to as living megalithic culture of Sumba. This is true because the megalithic culture which originated approximately 4500 years ago and is still faithfully carried out by a number of Sumba, especially Marapu faith. Megalithic tomb is made of hard stone, like an altar, and about 40 to 70 tons. Megalithic tomb is actually located in front of their homes

Stone pulling ceremony required much money, pigs, buffaloes, horses and time. The price of the megalithic tombs depends on thesize and the type of the rock. Normal type such as hard limestone: 4m x 6m x 50 cm it’s about Rp 65.000.000 (nationals currency), equal € 5000. Another type such as Tarimbang rock more expensive (this is kind of rock like marble).

Before stone pulling ceremony, there are series of rituals for obtaining permission from the stone keeper’s spirit. The preparation will be begun with “pogo watu” namely a ritual where the huge block of stones are cut from the quarry or mountain and Marapu priest will lead a ceremony by offering chicken, rice and betel nut to the spirit. This is the way to ask for permission from Marapu so that the work will be going well and success. Another ritual called “tingi watu” (stone pulling). Hard work will be held; hundreds even thousands of people are needed to drag the heavy stone. A long the way to its place, someone will stand in top of the stone to lead and cheer the people up. This work to pulling the stone sometimes it takes some days. That is why just for those people are rich able to prepare the ceremony of stone-pulling. Inviting so many people means the owner must prepare a great fund including the butchering of large numbers of pigs and give food for thousand people. The last work is an art work of the megalithic. The megalithic covered by rectangle flat stone supported by four pillars about 1, 5 meters high. The decoration of tomb is related with a social function of Merapu belief. Mostly are related to many symbols of the journey and life after death of the human being.