Whale Hunting on the Sawu Sea
THE people of Lamalera will host the annual Baleo Festival to demonstrate that the culture of traditional whale hunting must be maintained. This tradition uses methods that were handed down from one generation of fishermen to another. At this year’s festival, Flores musician Ivan Nestorman will launch his album of world music, titled Return to Lamalera. The lyrics tell of local fishermen hunting whales and their special relationship with the nature around them. A Tempo English Edition special report from Lamalera on Lembata Island in East Flores.
November 24, 2010
THERE were no shouts of “Baleo! Baleo!” that day. The whales which were expected to cross the Sawu Sea did not seem to be following the usual path of their annual crossing. Several pledang—the special whaling boats—sat by idly on the beach.
Hundreds of people attending the Baleo Festival in Lamalera, last October 27-31, were hoping that a sperm whale (Physter macrocephalus) would pass by and spray water from the blow hole on its head whi
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