Indonesia - Lembata - Lamalera - Whale Hunters
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Boy(s) playing with flying fish their fathers brought back from net fishing. Usually, the youngsters will gorge themselves on the raw eyes of this fish.
(Lamalera's Youth)
Many children here do not want to become firefighters or racers, they dream of a glorious life as whalers.
In case there is some spare time, the boys will merrily paddle round on their styrofoam blocks, go surfing on their wooden boards, or they practice throwing a bamboo stick in imitation of the honorable Lamafa – the chief harpooners – they aim to become one day. Around 7 pm, most have already taken their dinner; some rice, a piece of corn and a tiny portion of whatsoever sundried sea creature. A cup of tuak (raw palm wine) or sometimes the slightly stronger Arak (distilled Tuak) will put the men to sleep – Some youngsters will stay up for a while, gathering near the only wifi spot in town to enjoy some youtube sessions. But just about one hour later, one can only hear the few squealing piglets and the waves touching continuously the seashore. __
Traditionally a young fisherman will work his way up to that very position after being water bailer or spotter. If he’s able to prove his bravery and courage to the crew, he might be elected to take the place of a Lamafa, but he would need to spear a whale at first.
- Filename
- Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-722.jpg
- Copyright
- Claudio Sieber
- Image Size
- 6016x4016 / 10.4MB
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Asia Southeast Asia Indonesia Indonesian Lembata Lamalera Whale Hunters Animals Lamafa Spear hunters Whaling Sperm Whale Controversy Tradition Culture Life Asian Practices Heritage Sea Ocean Water Seafaring Voyage Thrill Spiritual Survival Moby Dick Prey Catch Village life Microeconomics Microeconomy Sharing culture Sharing Bravery Courage Disappearing Culture Fading tradition unpredictable Future uncertainty Pride Respect
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- Indonesia - Lembata - Lamalera