DURING the po’a loka ritual or the ceremony of feeding jatabara—a local name for the Flores eagle (Nisaetus floris)—Karolus Like, 81 years old, always recites prayers in Lio language. As the Mosalaki, or tribal chief, of Melemba, he leads the ceremony to seek permission from ancestors whenever outsiders come to the Otoseso customary forest. A chicken, betel leaves, areca nut, and tobacco are offered during the ritual.

Duri