Lilis Lamiang: Safeguarding Dayak Cultural Heritage

 When President Jokowi visited Central Kalimantan in 2019 to inspect one of the candidates for the new capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, he was given a special gift by Damang Kepala Adat and the Regent of Gunung Mas, namely the Lilis Lamiang Necklace.

For the indigenous people of the Dayak tribe in Central Kalimantan, Lilis Lamiang is a sacred object that serves a specific function as Panekang Hambaruan, a jewelry believed to strengthen the spirit or soul and protect its wearer. Lilis Lamiang was originally made from the garing tree fruit, which according to Dayak beliefs symbolizes the tree of life and Ranying Hatalla Langit, an important guidance in governing life for the indigenous people of the Dayak tribe.

However, over time, Lilis Lamiang has been made from various stones found in the natural environment of Central Kalimantan and even from outside Kalimantan to be used as jewelry. The shape of Lilis Lamiang can be elongated hexagonal or octagonal beads, or it can also be square or oblong. Its common uses include necklaces and bracelets. The color can be red, white, black, or other colors depending on the type of stone.

Not only does Lilis Lamiang function as a soul strengthener, but it is also used as a symbol of love in the courtship process for the Dayak tribe. A man who wishes to propose to a Dayak woman will present a dowry in the form of a red Lilis Lamiang, symbolizing loyalty until death.

Lilis Lamiang is also an important part of religious ceremonies, especially for followers of the Kaharingan Hindu religion.

Lilis Lamiang serves a wider purpose. Besides being a necklace or bracelet that protects against malevolent spirits, Lilis Lamiang is also seen as a way to avoid pahuni or curses. The cultural and spiritual values in the use of Lilis Lamiang have become ingrained in the daily lives of the Dayak people.

The tradition and cultural heritage of Lilis Lamiang are expected to be continuously preserved by the indigenous people of the Dayak tribe in Central Kalimantan. As a symbol of life and deep love, this jewelry piece is an important part of the cultural identity of the Dayak tribe. Each Lilis Lamiang has its own unique story, and the values passed down from generation to generation continue to live on in each bead used for adornment.

However, with the progress of time and modernization, the traditions and cultural values of the Dayak tribe face challenges. Efforts to preserve Lilis Lamiang and other cultural heritage are essential for the preservation of the cultural identity of the Dayak tribe.

In facing the future, it is important for the Indonesian people to appreciate and respect the cultural heritage of the Dayak tribe and other indigenous groups. Lilis Lamiang, as a symbol of life, love, and protection, is an inseparable part of Indonesia's rich and diverse cultural identity.

By raising awareness of the importance of cultural preservation, Lilis Lamiang and all its local wisdom can continue to be recognized and appreciated by future generations. Thus, Lilis Lamiang will remain a manifestation of Indonesia's cultural wealth and diversity, radiating strength in preserving the identity of the Dayak people of Central Kalimantan.

Lilis Lamiang is one of the invaluable cultural heritages of the Dayak tribe. This jewelry not only holds high aesthetic value but also carries significant spiritual importance for the Dayak community.