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Abstract: Pelatou is a traditional Melanau ritual in which a specialist /a-bayoh/ (shaman or spirit medium) journeys to the land of
the dead (/likou a–matai/) to converse with and check on the wellbeing of the deceased. It can be described as part séance, part
healing, part drama and entertainment, part play, part burlesque, as well as a context where the reality of the afterlife and its
connection to the living is made visible. Pelatou is performed with the broad aim of reassuring relatives, lifting the spirits of the
bereaved, and helping to restore community equilibrium, in the wake of a death. Photographs of a /pelatou/ which took place in 2007
will be included in the presentation.
| Date : |
15 January 2009 (Thursday) |
| Venue : |
Special Collection, Pustaka Negeri sarawak |
| Time : |
2.30pm - 4.30pm |
About the Speaker: Dr Ann Appleton
Dr Ann Appleton is a Research Fellow at the Institute of East Asian Studies, University Malaysia Sarawak. She is
the author of the ethnography, “Acts of Integration, Expressions of Faith; Madness, Death and Ritual in Melanau
Ontology” (Borneo Research Council 2006). Her current research interests include Melanau traditional rituals,
beliefs, and healing practices. A major research project relating to Melanau historical photographs is presently in
preparation for publication.
Contact Details:
Institute of East Asian Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.
Kota Samarahan
Kuching Sarawak
Phone No: 082-582471
Email: appleton@ieas.unimas.my
For more information, please contact Mr Henry / Ms Sarinah at 082442000 ext 302
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