Page 63 - THE MELANESIA DIASPORA FILE CETAK ISI 10022017

Material evidence of burials that underlie emerging belief systems have been found
among the population of Australo-Melanesian. This includes both primary and secondary
burial practices. In primary burial practices, the body was generally folded in a fetus-like
position which is thought to be symbol of being reborn in a new world. Burial systems varied
according to whether there were grave provisions or not, stones covering the grave or not,
and a variety of positions for the dead body. Dead bodies could be laid out in a variety of
directions. They could be placed lying east-west with the head facing east symbolizing a
new life. Bodies were also placed facing a mountain or the sea which has been interpreted
as the origin of a belief that this symbolized their return to the home they had come from.
Usually, primary burial systems in Song Keplek saw the bodies folded lying sideways or
flat on their back. Other orientations have been found. In one grave, the body was buried
lying on its back (Simanjuntak, 1998). Using the C-14 method, the body was identified as
being from the Mongolic Race and dated back to 7,020 ± 180 years ago. However, this date
has been questioned. Later analysis suggested that it was from a period dated to 2,035 ±
65 years ago. (cal. 2,987 – 3,118 year ago) (Widianto, 2002). This second recorded date is
in line with the regional Neolithic date. The first recorded date was a lot older and so far
Right: A few motifs in rock
paintings in Harimau cave, OKU,
South Sumatra.

Right: Folded burial position from
Song Keplek.

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