Keepers of Sacred Bugis Land

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

Subscribe to continue reading.
We craft news with stories.

For the benefits of subscribing to Digital Tempo, See More

The Best Choice

Rp 54.945/Month

Active for 12 Months, Rp 659.340

• *You Save -Rp 102.000
• *Guaranteed update of up to 52 Editions of Tempo Magazine

Subscribe

Rp 64.380/Month

Active Every Month Cancel Anytime

• *Free for the first month if using a Credit Card

Subscribe

See Other Packages

Already a Subscribed? Log in here
To receive daily news by Email, Sign up for Tempo ID.