Stone Tomb Site (Lung) Dayak Bahau

Historical Origins and Period of Formation

The Stone Tomb Site (Lung) is a relic from the transitional period between the late megalithic era and the classical era in Kalimantan. The Dayak Bahau people, part of the larger Kayanic group, have inhabited the Mahakam Ulu region for centuries after migrating from the Apo Kayan area.

The use of stone as a burial medium (Lung) is estimated to have begun hundreds of years ago, long before the influence of Abrahamic religions entered the interior of Kalimantan. Lung was created as the highest form of respect for customary leaders, nobles (Hipun), or war heroes. The construction of a single Lung required months, even years, involving the coordination of all village residents, indicating a highly organized social structure at that time.

Architecture and Construction Details of Lung

Architecturally, the Dayak Bahau Lung has very specific characteristics that distinguish it from ordinary wooden coffins (Raung). Lung is made from hard sandstone or mountain stone, manually carved.

1. Main Structure: Lung typically consists of two main parts: the container (body) and the lid. The stone container is carved to form a cavity in the center to place the deceased, who has undergone specific customary rituals.

2. Carving Art (Pahat): The most prominent feature is the carving on the stone surface. Common motifs found are Aso (dragon-dog), Lulung, and anthropomorphic motifs (human figures). These carvings not only serve an aesthetic purpose but also provide spiritual protection for the deceased on their journey to Teluang Kaya (the land of spirits).

3. Placement: Lung is often placed in elevated locations, such as on limestone cliffs or on very strong Ulin wood pillars (Kelirieng). This elevated placement symbolizes the proximity of the spirit to the heavens and protects the deceased from disturbances by wild animals or enemies.

Historical Significance and Related Events

This Stone Tomb Site bears silent witness to the golden age of the Dayak Bahau traditional governance system. In the past, burial rituals at Lung involved the Mamat ritual, a grand ceremony related to bravery and social status.

The presence of Lung in Mahakam Ulu also marks the territorial boundaries of Dayak Bahau sub-tribes, such as Bahau Sa’ (Hulu) and Bahau Busang. Each Stone Tomb Site tells the lineage of great families who played important roles in inter-tribal diplomacy along the Mahakam River. One unique fact is that these large stones were often transported from very far distances via river routes and manually pulled up hills, demonstrating the extraordinary mastery of logistics by traditional communities.

Important Figures and Periods

These stone tombs were generally intended for Hipun (Nobles). In Mahakam Ulu, particularly in the areas around Long Hubung to Long Bagun Districts, Lung sites are often associated with legendary leaders who led the great migration of the Bahau tribe.

Although many names of figures are now only preserved in oral history, the existence of Lung proves the existence of stable leadership periods. In the 18th and 19th centuries, when forest commodity trade began to flourish, Lung also became a symbol of wealth for families who could afford to finance the construction of such magnificent stone tombs.

Cultural and Religious Importance

For contemporary Dayak Bahau people, the Stone Tomb Site is still considered a sacred place (Kramat). In the original Dayak Bahau belief system (before mass conversion to Christianity or Catholicism), death was a long journey. Lung served as a physical "vehicle" for the soul.

These stone coffins also reflect the Dayak cosmological concept, where the upper and lower worlds must be balanced. The motifs on Lung function as an identity so that ancestors in the spirit world can recognize the origin of the deceased. To this day, although stone burial practices are rarely performed due to changes in belief and practicality, these sites remain centers for ancestral veneration rituals in customary festivals such as Dangai.

Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, the Stone Tomb Site (Lung) in Mahakam Ulu faces serious challenges. Natural factors such as weathering due to extreme weather in Kalimantan, moss growth, and the threat of vandalism are major problems. Some sites are also threatened by land clearing activities.

The Mahakam Ulu Regency Government, along with the Cultural Preservation Center (BPK) region XIV, has begun data collection and inventory of Lung sites. Preservation efforts include:

• Zoning: Designating the area around the tombs as protected cultural heritage zones.
• Community Education: Involving customary youth to become historical tour guides and site guardians.
• Digital Documentation: Given that many stone carvings are beginning to erode, photographic documentation and digital mapping are being carried out to preserve architectural details from being lost to time.

Unique Facts of the Dayak Bahau Lung Site

One thing that distinguishes the Dayak Bahau Lung from stone tombs in Toraja or Sumba is the highly organic integration of its carvings with the original stone shape. Often, the stone's shape is not completely transformed into a perfect rectangle, but rather follows the natural curves of the stone while remaining functional as a coffin. Furthermore, inside some researched Lung sites, artifacts such as porcelain from the Ming and Qing Dynasties have been found, proving that the Dayak Bahau people in the interior of Mahakam already had global trade networks centuries ago.

In conclusion, the Stone Tomb Site (Lung) of Dayak Bahau in Mahakam Ulu is an invaluable historical monument. It is not just an archaeological relic, but an open history book that tells of the art, social structure, and high spirituality of the people of East Kalimantan. Preserving the Lung means preserving the identity and cultural roots of the Dayak Bahau so that they remain known to future generations amidst the currents of modernization.