This paper discusses the taboos in the customs and rituals of animal huntings by the Orang Asli of Semai tribe. Hunting are one of the ways of life and resources of the Orang Asli for the purpose of survival. Even with the passage of time, the taboos in hunting customs are still practiced. The objective of this study is to identify taboos in the customs and rituals of animal huntings by the Semai tribe. Therefore, the concept of taboos were used as guide to achieve the objectives. The methodology of this study adopts a qualitative ethnographical approach, namely through field research methods consisting of observation, participation and semi-structured interviews conducted in Kampung Batu 5, Tapah, Perak. The selected informants are knowledgeable individuals regarding the customs and rituals of animal hunting such as experienced hunters known as Tok Batin and Tok Halak. Literature research from various sources whether in the form of printed materials and online are used as secondary data to support this study. The data were reviewed using thematic analysis techniques and proofreading. The findings of the study shows that the Semai tribe still adheres to the practices inherited from their ancestors. Hence, this study proves that animal huntings contain three stages of customs and rituals, which is the process of before, during and after. The contribution of this study is important to provide new knowledge to the outside community apart from the Orang Asli community regarding their unique and intangible heritage, namely animal hunting customs and rituals.

Authors:
Nordiana Mosum, National University of Malaysia, Malaysia
Mohd Yuszaidy Mohd Yusoff, National University of Malaysia, Malaysia
Muammar Ghaddafi Hanafiah, National University of Malaysia, Malaysia

About the Presenter(s)
Nordiana binti Mosum, Phd student and a research assistant under university research grant, interest in cultural studies. Current project is the research of 'Local Wisdom of the Orang Asli Community: Conservation of Animal Traps'.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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