BORN as the fifth ‘gender’ in Bugis society, the Bissu are entrusted to carry out holy duties from the gods. In their prayer recitation and hymns, they—ancient Bugis monks—appeal for a balance of nature, soil fertility, and protection from all kinds of disaster.

They guard Arajang in every corner of South Sulawesi. Sent down from the sky, arajang (a sacred object) take various forms—a gold bracelet with a dragon’s head, magical keri