Model of a bier

Ulerang

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

"523. Bier - "Ulerang"
A small bier, only carried by eight men, for the common man; also made of bamboo and wood, covered with white cotton. The body which lies on the bier is also covered by a vaulted bamboo roof which is covered in white. The size of the funeral ceremony depends, of course, on the standing, rank and wealth of the deceased. Here too we find screaming priests, sacrifice-carrying slaves, relatives in full armour who throw coins to the crowd which follows the procession. What even the poorest funeral procession must not miss is, first, a parasol carried over the bier to protect the body from the heat of the sun, and second, the sacrifices - at least consisting of rice and fruits."

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