Parika in the ritual practice of defembula kahitela

Barangka Subdistrict, Muna Regency

Abstract

This study aims to reveal the role of Parika itself, especially in the ritual practice in farming activity namely Defembula Kahitela. Besides, this study also aims to elaborate the prominent authority of Parika towards the community of Barangka Subdistrict. The research sites are located in Barangka Subdistrict consist of eight villages in West Muna Regency. The primary data are obtained from the various informants who acknowledge the Defembula Kahitela ritual practice and the farmers themselves, and others who serve as local informant leaders and the secondary data are obtained from the written data and field observation. The data are collected by field interview with the informants and direct observation in the farm field in Barangka Subdistrict. This study finds that the farmers in Barangka Subdistrict are using the services of Parika from the very beginning of their farming activity starting from the pre-planting, the planting, and the harvest and post-harvest stages. This study also finds that Parika has the authority in four aspects; determine a good day for each ritual, ritual requirements (ritual tools and materials), the amount of wages in leading ritual practice of Defembula Kahitela, and determine the rules related what should and should not do while farming from the pre-planting to the post-harvest stage.