BABAL T his is a precious collection of Siwalima Museum in Ambon. It is called "babal" (drum) and it originates from the Southern islands of this archipelago. This approximately 1 meter high collection is made of coconut material and the drum of goat skin. The babal functions as a music instrument to accompany tribal dances. It also functions a an announcer to call for the clan leaders or the society to gather at the village community house the "baileo" so that the 'raja' (the head of the village) can speak to them or give instructions. The anthropomorphic figure who support the drum is a symbol of the presence of ancestral spirits who speak towards the living through the babal. Whenever the babal is beaten everybody must obey and come to the village meeting house (baileo).
er About this blog: This blog is ment to present some information about Ambon and its surroundings. These information are based upon my private experiences. They will include, history, legends, interesting places especially touristic spots that I have visited and scenes of Ambon city and Ambon island. About myself: I am a retired government employee. Formerly I had worked as German Language teacher at several high schools in Ambon, I was also the curater of the local ethnographic Museum "Siwalima" for almost 20 years, I also had a part time job as tour manager and guide of a local Tour and travel agency PT. Daya Patal, after that I was the head of the section Museum-History and Archeology affairs of the Department of Education and Culture, ad then as the head of the department of Maluku's Art Affairs and lately as the chief deputy of Maluku Tourism marketing and promotions of the regional Tourism office. Nowadays I am functioning as a pastor at one of the church he...