Model of a bier

Ulerang-to-mate

Note: The following text is taken from a 19th-century collection catalog and, in its language and perspective, partially reflects colonial thought patterns. We present the text in its original version to make the collection's history transparent and promote a critical examination of the colonial legacy. Certain terms and formulations may be perceived as problematic today. A 2009 research project concluded that most descriptions are factually correct and still usable; only a few details were found to be inaccurate or incorrect. The results of this project were published in the following collection catalog: https://khm-wmw-tm-library.on.worldcat.org/oclc/1457155265

"522. Bier "Ulerang-to-mate" 
A large framework which can be carried; made of bamboo; it rests on four large, heavy beams and is carried by from two to three hundred carriers with colossal clamour. This enormous bier is only used for the funerals of princes. There is a floor of bamboo on the four large beams where, in the middle, the body lies, wrapped seven times in white sheets, covered by a vaulted roof of woven bamboo which is covered with white cotton, "tjakko-tjakko". Around the body there is a square, bamboo barrier, about one meter high, which is also covered with white cotton. The four wives of the Prince sit inside this barrier, in the four corners, dressed in grey mourning clothes. Around this first barrier there is a larger square just as high and also covered with white.. In the space between the two, fully armed with all their weapons and dressed in sumptuous robes, stand the blood relatives of the Prince. At his head and feet are the weapons and precious possessions of the deceased, along with the symbols of his reign and coronation. Around these two barriers is a third, and the space between the second and the third is filled with various sacrificial gifts which have been given by the privileged people and nobles for the ceremonies that will follow. The whole bier with all its contents has an enormous weight and the hundreds of carriers have a heavy piece of work to do since the body must often be carried for hours in the burning heat of the sun to the funeral place of the family.
In the magnificent funeral procession which can take hours, all of the relatives of the deceased, all the chiefs and privileged persons come on horseback, as well as the entire court, all officials of the realm, priests and priestesses. In front of the bier, which is carried by hundreds of men in a great spectacle over hill and dale, for roads are unknown there, a number of slaves carry a large number of additional sacrificial gifts which cannot fit on the bier. The prince's torches, described above, are also carried ahead of the bier, then a large number of candles blessed by the Bissus but not lit, as a symbol of death, the flags of the country and the Prince, great golden parasols, the princely ceremonial weapons and shields, large clay jars of water blessed by the Bissus, large baskets with fragrant flowers and leaves, large incense burners of clay and of copper in which resin is burned. At the sides of the bier ride the remainder of the blood relatives with their armour, while behind the bier walk a long train of wailing women making a terrible noise. Then come the already mentioned nobles, privileged persons, the courtiers, the ladies in waiting, the priests and priestesses. All of these according to the court etiquette. At the end of the procession come the thousands of common people of both sexes, in festive dress. All on foot, since only princes, relatives of the prince, privileged people and chiefs are allowed to ride horses. The relatives of the prince throw copper and silver coins into the crowd during the whole procession. It is hardly necessary to mention that with this ceremony various musical instruments and the different devil-expelling utensils play an important role. The large crowd of priests and priestesses following the procession make every effort, through ear-splitting noise, to drive away the evil spirits."

Translation of: Czurda, F. A. J. (1883). Catalog mit Erklärungen der Etnografischen Privatsammlung des Dr. F. A. J. Czurda in Postelberg (Böhmen). (p. 130-132). Wien, Wilhelm Braumüller