MANADO, ZONAUTARA.com – Bantik tribe has a variety of cultural sites in the city of Manado. After the site of Crocodile stone and Kuangang Stone, this time Zona Utara journalist have an opportunity to see one more Bantik cultural sites located in Malalayang District.
It is Tihumpang Ni Tougagudang Pangataseng, a cultural site that literally means descent of the Divine gives guidance.
Bantik tribe believes it is a holy place of the Almighty or Yopo Ļamo, Yopo Bagai gives guidance to be obeyed and do by humans, especially Bantik’s people.
Johan Mongisidi, a figure who has been maintain Tanpa Tihumpang Ni Tougagudang Pangataseng site, explained that the place is known by the Bantik tribe as a sacred place.
“We are people from Bantik tribe, believing that this place as a sacred and holy place. For those who are allowed to visit this place, should be polite and quiet, and do not be fuss,” said the 73-year-old man, days ago.
This sacred primary site is a flat stone that similar to the form of united palms, with formations of prostration or saluting. The height is about 30 cm with a width about 15 cm and 3 cm for thick.
“At the site of this rock is believed to be our center of strength. Because in this place, the Divine descends and meets His creation,” he said.
According to Johan, at certain place, Bantik tribe held a ritual. In this place of Yopo Ļamo, also present some ancestors who have supernatural powers or unmatched, they called Kakanamata.
“They help to keep the characteristics of Yopo Ļamo,” he explained.
Yopo Ļamo’s characteristic means Beginning and Ending, Holy and Almighty (Yopo Maaļusu Nakakaaļusu, Bo Maļangkasa Na Kakaļangkasa Tangada).
“Yopo which is only blink, can surround entirely to the horizon, earth, moon and stars, Yopo Ļamo Pung Nu Maya, Yopo Kakahamata Nu Banti, Yopo Kakahamata Mahonei Bo Yopo Kakahamata Babinei,” said Johan.
According to him, this site is already present around 300 BC.
“So long before the city of Manado was born, this place already exists,” he said.
Yopo Ļamo’s location is within a wall fence. After passing the main fence, visitors are directly faced with a large and flat stone.
“This stone usually serves to put the goods offerings to the Almighty,” said Johan.
For about 2.5 meters in front of the stones, there is the main stone of Yopo Ļamo, which behind him grows two Coffee Tree that age is estimated hundreds of years.
A number of Kenari trees, Wood Nantu, Sukun, Bintangar (raw materials make kolintang), also adorn this location. The trees grow strong and fertile, as if to protect this historical site.
Editor: Eva Aruperes