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

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

Cynthia Chou
RoutledgeCurzon--IIAS Asian studies series, Routledge
2014
DOI: 10.4324/9780203988718

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Abstract

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. Cynthia Chou is Assistant Professor of Southeast Asian Studies at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. 'Finely crafted ... an important and welcome addition to the anthropology of modern Southeast Asia.' - ASEASUK News 'Only a few major works have been published on [the Orang Laut] world since the 1960s, and Chou's thick ethnography makes a welcome contribution.' - Asian Journal of Social Science
 Asian Studies Bajau (Southeast Asian people) - Ethnic identity Bajau (Southeast Asian people) - Economic conditions Bajau (Southeast Asian people) - Psychology Ethnopsychology - Indonesia - Riau (Province) Money - Social aspects - Indonesia - Riau (Province) Muslims - Indonesia - Riau (Province) Riau (Indonesia : Province) - Social life and customs

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