Traditionally on the day before Christmas, the Dani people that live here in Sentani (I can’t speak for those that live elsewhere) cook a pig and eat it together. I wanted to get a good photo of the whole process, as it is quite interesting, but it was already done and over with by the time I went down there. Earlier today Hugo had taken the photo that’s kind of far away. Anyways, I asked them to explain their method of cooking the pig to me. So here’s what you do:
In the morning, lots of people go into the jungle and get leaves of all sorts that you can and can’t eat. You can see them carrying the leaves in the two other photos. As they are running down the road they are chanting back and forth. It sounded really neat. I can’t even write the sounds they were making. They dig a hole in the ground and line it with leaves. On top of that they put stones that have been getting hot in the fire. I didn’t ask how they carry the stones… Then you put more leaves on top and then you put in the vegetables – mostly leaves that they can eat and get for free out in the jungle or the ditches. Then you put the whole pig in. He said something about the stomach, I’m not sure what it was but they have to take something out. Then they put more vegetables around the pig and then they put more leaves on top and then more stones and then more leaves again. So you end up with this big smoky pile – see photo. The guy I talked to said that it takes only 30 minutes and the pig is done. He made it clear that this is only done by the Papuans that wear p*nis gourds – therefore the mountain people. He said that he didn’t know what the beach people did. Which is really funny because there are plenty of beach people living around here too. Anyways, the mountain people always cook like this as they don’t have kompors (little gas burners) or anything like that. According to the guy I talked to, this was the best way to cook because you don’t have to clean up lots of pots and pans and your kitchen. They just burn the leftover leaves. Very practical not? As for the pig, lots of people around here raise pigs to sell. The people from each church will get together and collect enough money to buy the pig. Right now, pig meat is very expensive here. I’m not sure why exactly, maybe because they figure people are willing to pay lots because they like it so much.
In the morning, lots of people go into the jungle and get leaves of all sorts that you can and can’t eat. You can see them carrying the leaves in the two other photos. As they are running down the road they are chanting back and forth. It sounded really neat. I can’t even write the sounds they were making. They dig a hole in the ground and line it with leaves. On top of that they put stones that have been getting hot in the fire. I didn’t ask how they carry the stones… Then you put more leaves on top and then you put in the vegetables – mostly leaves that they can eat and get for free out in the jungle or the ditches. Then you put the whole pig in. He said something about the stomach, I’m not sure what it was but they have to take something out. Then they put more vegetables around the pig and then they put more leaves on top and then more stones and then more leaves again. So you end up with this big smoky pile – see photo. The guy I talked to said that it takes only 30 minutes and the pig is done. He made it clear that this is only done by the Papuans that wear p*nis gourds – therefore the mountain people. He said that he didn’t know what the beach people did. Which is really funny because there are plenty of beach people living around here too. Anyways, the mountain people always cook like this as they don’t have kompors (little gas burners) or anything like that. According to the guy I talked to, this was the best way to cook because you don’t have to clean up lots of pots and pans and your kitchen. They just burn the leftover leaves. Very practical not? As for the pig, lots of people around here raise pigs to sell. The people from each church will get together and collect enough money to buy the pig. Right now, pig meat is very expensive here. I’m not sure why exactly, maybe because they figure people are willing to pay lots because they like it so much.
2 comments:
Erica,
When we left Sentani, we decided to experience Bakar Batu first hand. We bought a pig, got it first thing in the morning, tied it up between the hostel and the garage for the cars, had one of our fellows shoot it with bow and arrow (the arrow with the bamboo shaft and tip went right into the heart; it was really quick), and invited our staff to prepare it the Dani way. They used relatively thick forked branches to carry the hot stones. The plan was to have a meal together with our and their families. The other preparations, including the heating of the stones and the cooking were done in front of the hostel, on the flat area to the south side. By the time it was all done, it was probably 3:00 or so pm. We had a good meal with all our workers and their families. We donated the left-overs to the staff and their friends. Tante Coby had the worst case of malaria she ever had just then, and doesn't remember too much. That was in the spring of 1989.
Wishing you the Lord's blessings in 2008!
uncle keith
Well sounds like quite the way to cook....would be nice if our turkeys were done in that short of a time...HMMMM...maybe something to consider...Although I'm sure it takes a bit to get everything together and the stones that hot. Interesting though.
Well you all have a blessed New Year and may God continue to watch over you all and continue to provide you with all that you may stand in need of for body and for soul.
We miss you all and love you
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
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