Three Films from Eastern Indonesia

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Year of release

2006

Subjects

Anthropology

Keywords

ceremonies; Indonesia; rituals; social anthropology

Credits

Director

James J Fox; Patsy Asch; Timothy Asch

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 2 PAL

Price

£50.00

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

97 minutes

Year

2006

Sections

Title

Water of Words, The: a cultural ecology of a small island in Eastern Indonesia

Synopsis

Examines the ecology and poetry of everyday life. Two Rotinese narrate this film, each offering his
perception of the importance of the Lontar (Borassus) palm: a clan leader describes the many practical
uses of the palm; a poet tells of its origin and mythic significance. The film complements Fox’s book,
The Harvest of the Palm, as well as his essays on ritual language.

Duration

30 mins

Title

Spear and Sword: a payment of bridewealth on the island of Roti

Synopsis

The film begins as the groom’s side gathers the animals and money for a bridewealth payment, and discusses
problems that might arise in negotiating the exchange. In ritual silence, they walk to the bride’s family house,
where discussions proceed, interspersing ritual forms with lively conversation. When agreement is reached,
drinking and feasting begin and a chanter recounts the origin of the first bridewealth payment.

Duration

22 mins

Title

Celebration of Origins, A: Wai Brama, Flores, Indonesia

Synopsis

The film examines ceremonial leadership and the role of evolving religious practice in a changing society. It is a record of the gren mahe rituals of the people of the domain of Wai Brama. The gren mahe is the
largest religious event of the Wai Brama ceremonial system and requires the participation of the whole community.

(See Lewis’ book, People of the Source. The Social and Ceremonial Order of Tana Wai Brama on Flores)

Duration

45 mins

Distributor

Name

Royal Anthropological Institute

Contact

Susanne Hammacher (Film Officer)

Email

film@therai.org.uk

Web

https://www.therai.org.uk/film/film-sales External site opens in new window

Phone

020 7387 0455

Fax

020 7388 8817

Address

50 Fitzroy Street
London
W1T 5BT

Notes

The Institute sells more than 250 anthropology and ethnology titles on video and DVD, including some produced by students and staff of the Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology. There is also a large library of internationally produced film and video productions from which items may be borrowed within the UK.