Indonesian sea nomads : money, magic, and fear of the Orang Suku Laut

Author(s)

    • Chou, Cynthia

Bibliographic Information

Indonesian sea nomads : money, magic, and fear of the Orang Suku Laut

Cynthia Chou

(Curzon-IIAS Asian studies series)

Routledge, 2014, c2003

  • : pbk

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Note

First published 2003 by Routledge. First issued in paperback 2014"--T.p. verso

Includes bibliographical references (p. [149]-159)

Description and Table of Contents

Description

The Orang Suku Laut consider themselves indigenous Malays. Yet their interaction with others who call themselves Malays is characterised on both sides by fear of harmful magic and witchcraft. The nomadic Orang Suku Laut believe that the Qur'an contains elements of black magic, while the settled Malays consider the nomads dangerous, dirty and backward. At the centre of this study, based on first-hand anthropological data, is the symbolism of money and the powerful influence it has on social relationships within the Riau archipelago. The first major publication on these maritime nomadic communities, the book also adds fresh perspectives on anthropological debates on exchange systems, tribality and hierarchy. It also characterises the different ways of being Malay in the region and challenges the prevailing tendency to equate Malay identity with the Islamic faith.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgment Map 1 Money, Magic, and Fear of the Orang Suku Laut 2 The Setting 3 Ranking in Riau 4 Ilmu 5 The Meaning of Things: Constructions of the Orang Laut's Identity 6 Sharing and Helping: Constructions of the Orang Laut's Identity 7 Money: Reconstructing the Meaning of Things 8 Reflections and Challenges Glossary References

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