The Current Convening #3 Tabu/Tapu – Who Owns the Ocean? A collaboration with TBA21-Academy Day 2 Session 1 Introduction and case studies presentations
Dublin Core
Title
Description
The Single Screen, Blk 43 Malan Rd
Coinciding with NTU CCA Singapore’s current exhibition The Oceanic, featuring contributions by TBA21–Academy The Current Fellows from the first cycle of expeditions (2015–17), Convening #3 marks the culmination of inquiries on the vessel Dardanella to the Pacific archipelagos of Trobriand Islands in Papua New Guinea; the Tuamotus in French Polynesia; and the Lau Island Group in Fiji.
2.00pm
Introduction
2.15pm
Case Study by Dr Cresantia Frances Koya Vaka’uta (Fiji), Director, Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies & Pacific Heritage Hub, UNESCO Faculty of Arts, Law and Education, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji
IS ANYTHING SACRED ANYMORE? Unpacking the Significance of Tapu/Tabu in Contemporary Oceania: Case Study by Dr Cresentia Frances Koya Vaka'uta
What is tapu or tabu in contemporary contexts of Oceania? This paper unpacks our understandings of tapu/tabu as sanctity or sacred vessels and spaces including the human body, objects, and physical places or sites. Related concepts of mana (spiritual forces, energy, power), and relational spaces will also be examined. Cultural and contemporary examples of sacred space will be provided to enable a deeper understanding of how these indigenous ideas may be used to enhance participatory research undertakings and provide a deeper understanding of indigenous communities in context.
2.45pm
Case Study by Dr Cynthia Chou (Singapore/United States), Professor, Department of Anthropology, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Iowa, United States
The Orang Suku Laut of Riau, Indonesia: The Spirit that Resides in Things and People
Case Study by Dr Cynthia Chou
Living afloat the oceans of Southeat Asia are various groups of sea nomads. One such group comprises the Orang Suku Laut, literally "Tibal People of the Sea" who are well-known in the region's history as the "orang asli" (indigenous people) of a vast maritime world known as the "Alam Melayu." Complex items exists in their communities exits within their communities. They range from items with inherent meanings and the spirit of the person, to those whose meanings and values undergo redefinition as they circulate through different domains of exchange within and beyond their communities. Boundaries have been set up to determine the ways in which these different types of things may circulate as they bear and impact one's identity and well-being.