Fransiska Widyawati: Source of Life, Main Pillar, and Active Outsider. Reclaiming Women’s Power and Divinity in Manggarai, Eastern Indonesia
Abstract
Gender inequality is a social reality observed today in Manggarai, Eastern Indonesia. Multiple studies have suggested that patriarchy is the root cause of such inequality. These studies also determined that the patriarchal system – dominative, hierarchical, and masculine – is simply the nature of the Manggaraian culture. However, this study argues that the indigenous culture in Manggarai was feminine, circular, and inclusive. Women in Manggarai were highly respected as the source of life (Iné), the main pillar of a clan (Siri Bongkok), and bringers of life to the outside world (ata pé’ang). These three main attributes are closely related to the divine feminine (Mother God) concept and the belief that women have divine powers. This study has found that these concepts have mostly been erased, misconstrued, and diminished in today’s practice and understanding of the Manggaraian culture. Three main external factors led to the transformation of the Manggaraian culture, namely trading, religious, and government activities. These three factors introduced patriarchal, dominative, exploitative, and hierarchical values in Manggarai. This study aims to reclaim women’s power by exploring and reconstructing positive female symbols and concepts in Manggarai, Eastern Indonesia.
[Manggarai/Eastern Indonesia, women’s power, divine Feminine, patriarchy]
