Hari Moyang Puja Pantai by Mah Meri tribe
Muhammad Rabbani Jamian-
February 9, 2022 5:00 PM
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Every year the Mah Meri Orang Asli from Kampung Sungai Judah, off Carey Island, celebrate ‘Hari Moyang Puja Pantai’, a ritual to appease the spirits of their ancestors.
Led by a shaman, the villagers would march in large numbers towards the beach but the ritual only begins when the tide recedes and a traditional dance, called “Jooh”, is performed.
Villagers also sing songs of praise while accompanying the shaman who will invoke the spirits of the forest and sea.
Diaman, 57, a dancer, is dressed as a ‘Moyang Bajus’, one of the tribe’s ancestors, as he prepares for the ritual.
A grand altar called the 'mahligai (sanggar)', where villagers will make their offering, is erected a few meters from the beach.
The Mah Meri tribe march 3km to the beach to take part in the ritual.
'Moyang Bajus' and shamans making their way to the site.
Diaman takes off his wooden mask as he waits for the tide to recede for the festival to begin.
A shaman 'blesses' a female dancer on the beach.
A shaman summons the spirit of the sea to 'descend' during the ritual.
Female dancers take refuge under an umbrella from the scorching sun.
The 'Moyang Bajus' performs a dance with one of the shamans who is wearing traditional Mah Meri garb.
A shaman shakes hands and 'apologises' to 'Moyang Bajus'.
