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Researchers Masri Sareb Putra, M.A. and Dr. Yansen TP at the Ulong Bayeh Historical Site. Many aspects of Dayak history remain unexplored, let alone written or published. Documentation by the author. |
The Dayak Research Center (DRC) - BA' BINUANG: This historical site is located in the village of Long Mutan, in the Krayan Tengah District, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan.
The Location and Journey to the Site
To reach the site from Ba’ Binuang, one must take a motorboat upstream for about 30 minutes before arriving at the location.
The monument is situated on the left bank of the Krayan River, about 30 meters up a small hill, at the top of a mound of earth. There, a crocodile monument stands.
At the time, cement had not yet been invented for creating such monuments, but the ancestors of the Krayan River inhabitants had already discovered their own technique for preserving something they considered of historical value.
High Culture of the Krayan River Inhabitants
The people of the Krayan River have had a rich culture for centuries. One of the key pieces of evidence is the "ulong bayeh" (crocodile monument), which still stands today at the edge of the Krayan River in Long Mutan village, serving as a symbol of the local ethnic group. This monument stands as a testament to their advanced civilization.
At least three aspects of this monumental work command admiration.
First, how did the ancestors of this region come to recognize the large reptile that lives in both water and on land? Crocodiles are not found anywhere along the Krayan River. Local myths, legends, and fables also do not feature crocodile figures.
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The famous story of the Mouse-deer and the Crocodile only emerged after the introduction of written language. The isolated conditions of the past, with clans in constant conflict and little contact with the outside world, made it unlikely for any group to import new knowledge or civilization. So, where did they derive the imagination of the crocodile as a symbol?
Symbolism, Material, and Strategic Location
In the study of symbols, two key concepts are signifier and signified. The crocodile is the signifier, representing the material aspect or image of the symbol. A signifier without a signified holds no meaning, and thus is not a symbol. The traits and characteristics of the crocodile become the conceptual mental image that a people or ethnic group symbolizes or identifies with.
This demonstrates the ancestors' impressive imagination and creative ability to conceptualize abstract ideas. This form of "higher thinking" is something the inhabitants of the Krayan River had long practiced. To embody abstract concepts into concrete forms was a skill not all ethnic groups possess. Such a monument shows that the civilization at that time was quite advanced.
Regarding the material and location, the crocodile monument was not made from clay, but from regular earth. The soil used likely came from the surrounding area, and the monument's construction was designed to endure. The builders placed it on the highest point of the mound, ensuring its stability. The monument’s form is a massive crocodile, measuring 1.5 x 4 meters, with all its body parts visible, except for the underside, which lies flat against the ground.
When visiting the site, one can appreciate the strategic thinking of its designers. If the monument had been placed on the back or feet of the mound, erosion from rainwater would have gradually destroyed its shape. Instead, by positioning it on the summit, it remains intact.
The crocodile, not native to the Krayan River, suggests that the idea of using it as a symbol might have been a compromise or a collective agreement. Initially, a prominent individual likely proposed the idea, and after discussion, it was accepted as a shared symbol. According to local folklore, the powerful figure behind the creation of the crocodile monument was Padan Liyu Burung, a young warrior known for his strength and mystical powers.
The Legend of Padan Liyu Burung
One day, Padan decided to wage war on a neighboring kingdom called Prabudung. Before embarking on his journey, he gathered his warriors and informed the villagers of his plan.
They set out, and upon crossing into enemy territory, Padan ordered his troops to stop. The chests they carried were opened, revealing long knives (plepet), which the soldiers equipped themselves with before Padan let out a battle cry and led the attack.
The ensuing battle was fierce, with the sounds of swords clashing and the fall of many enemies. In the end, Padan Liyu Burung emerged victorious. When only women and children remained in the defeated kingdom, the warriors returned home and erected the crocodile monument as a symbol of their triumph. The monument also symbolized their strength, likening them to the mighty crocodile, whose body functions as a weapon in battle.
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In addition to the crocodile monument, they erected tall bamboo poles with the heads of their enemies, now dead, hanging from the tips. This served as a reminder to all that they were conquerors, not losers.
-- Masri Sareb Putra
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