Methodology
This study combines Field Linguistics and Language Documentation methods. The team conducted field work, together with a local consultant, Mr Benediktus Delpada, to collect original and ‘first-hand’ data, documented plant species (English and Abui plant names and the scientific name). Besides looking at the medicinal properties and cultural relevance (from the perspective of the Abui people), the team also explored local myths and legends connected with the plants.
Thereafter, the team organised the data in a database which is reflected below.
| Please note that all Abui plant names, reported medical usages of plants and any associated legends or myths recorded below are the intellectual property of the Abui people. |
Collection
Rattan / Tibuul
| English Plant Name: | Rattan |
| Abui Plant Name: | Tibuul |
| Scientific Name: | Calamus deerratus |
| Etymological Reconstruction: | TBC |
In the past during the period of the ancestors, after people built a clan house called kadaang, two men would perform an attraction ritual which they called tibuul tabalaq ‘fight by hitting each other with rattan stick’. During this attraction ritual, a man would run around the sanctuary to show his bravery with the rattan stick. Another man would also challenge him with his rattan stick. The stick could be as long as 1 meter. Each man takes turn to hit each other. Several men could take turns to do this in several rounds. A man who was hit would give one of his calf while bend down in the sanctuary, and wait for the number of hits and intensity of the hits from his challengers. Rattan is used as rope to tighten the handle of machetes and ladle, to plait a woman’s belt, and to fasted the beams of a local house.In the past, a local chief called tamuukung used a stick of rattan plant as long as 1 meter to hit lay people who trespassed
| Remarks:
Tentative |