BATAKS – “THE MAN-EATERS”?
Source: Art of Anchestors & Phinemo.com
Known as the largest ethnic group in Indonesia, Batak is divided into several sub ethnics namely Toba (the largest Batak sub-ethnic), Mandailing, Angkola, Pakpak/ Dairi, Simalungun, and Karo. At the end of the 21st century, the Bataks numbered about 6.1 million, and a majority of the population used to live around Lake Toba, North Sumatra highlands. The traditional occupation of Bataks was mostly farming, hunting, and agriculture. However, throughout history, Bataks have filled with a wide range of new modern occupations such as mechanics, engineers, musicians, journalists, attorneys, scientists, and many more. More points, Bataks have been well-known take part in the field of law, as lawyers and attorneys have excellent reputations by handling high-profile cases in both Indonesia and other countries.
In the 13th century, the first known Westerner attempted to visit Batak territory, Marco Polo, but was denied entry into the lands. Rumors said Marco Polo described Bataks as cannibalistic by eating the entire corpse of other people, including their grandparents. This controversial news has alarmed the Europeans and framed the Bataks as the man-eaters.
According to Bataks’ belief, relatives who are terminally ill and incurable must be killed and eaten entirely without any body parts left, as the rotten corpse will bring misery and great sins which may affect the whole communities and surroundings.
In 1421, an Italian merchant, traveler, and writer, Nicollò de’ Conti came to Sumatra to undertake a trade mission in Southeast Asia. He wrote Bataech (Bataks) enjoyed wars and ate away the defeated enemies. It is believed that eating enemies’ corpses resulted in a stronger soul and body. As written by Nicollò de’ Conti, the cannibalism ritual is held in Huta Siallagan, a small village in Samosir Island. There can be seen eight Bolon houses with diverse functions, and the most horrendous thing is the existence of the table and chairs known as The Trial Stone (The Judgement Place). The perpetrators who are found guilty will be sentenced to death and the execution will be held in this table, - decapitation and the heart will be cooked and served to the king.
By the 1890, when the Dutch colonialism had occupied Sumatra, this cannibalism ritual had been banned. Expert says, most likely due to the influence of Christianity from the Europeans.
