Wasiat Leluhur

This painting depicts a Dayak community performing a sacred dance during the Tewah ceremony inside a traditional Rumah Betang. Tewah is an important mortuary ritual in the Kaharingan belief system, the indigenous religion of the Dayak, centered on guiding the soul of the deceased to the spiritual realm and honoring ancestral spirits. Kaharingan reflects a deep connection between humans, nature, and the unseen world, where rituals, offerings, and dance play essential roles in maintaining cosmic balance. The dancers are adorned in elaborate ceremonial attire, often featuring feathered headdresses, intricate beadwork, and symbolic ornaments that represent protection and spiritual identity. Set within the long communal space of the Rumah Betang, the dance becomes a collective expression of grief, respect, and continuity between the living and their ancestors, transforming mourning into a shared spiritual journey.

Wasiat Leluhur
Made in Kalimantan, 2024
Artist: Sukma Pandu
Media: Acrylic on canvas
Size: 100 x 88 cm