PRESERVING HERITAGE
BOS supports not only orangutans and sun bears but also the indigenous communities living in and around the forests of Kalimantan. We proudly uphold their traditions, such as the Hudoq Festival of the Dayak people, passed down through generations.
Each year, the Community Empowerment Team from PT. Restorasi Habitat Orangutan Indonesia, a limited company established by the BOS Foundation in 2009, has the opportunity to witness this colourful festival.
Hudoq is a traditional dance of the Dayak people, deeply connected to their agricultural cycle. This dance was initially performed as part of a traditional ritual to seek blessings from the gods and nature spirits. The Dayak people believe that by performing this dance, they can ensure abundant harvests and prosperous lives.
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- The Hudoq dance was initially performed to seek blessings.
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- It’s also a way for the Dayak people to honour their ancestors.
The name “Hudoq” originates from the Modang Dayak language, meaning “mask.” This reflects the dancer’s use of beautifully crafted masks and unique costumes that resemble supernatural beings. Hudoq is believed to represent guardian spirits that protect the crops and drive away evil spirits that might harm the plants or the community.
Beyond its purpose of seeking blessings, the Hudoq dance is also a way for the Dayak people to honour their ancestors, whom they believe continuously protect them. In addition, it serves as a moment for the community to unite, celebrate, and strengthen social bonds.
Through the Hudoq Festival, we can witness the richness of Indonesia’s cultural heritage and the harmonious relationship between humans and nature firsthand.
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Photos: ©BOSF
