Dilukai
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Dilukai (also dilukái, dilugai ) are wooden figures of naked women that were placed above the entrance to the meeting houses (bai) in Palau . They are usually shown with their legs apart so that the large black triangular pubic area is visible, with their hands resting on their hips. These figures are considered to be a protective symbol for the health of the inhabitants, the crops and as a defense against evil spirits. The figures were traditionally made by ritual specialists according to strict rules. If these rules were ever broken, the death of the carver or the chief often ensued.
mythology
Female figures flaunting their vulva are common in many cultures. They symbolize fertility, spiritual rebirth and are considered a defense against evil spirits ( apotropaion ). Anasyrma and Baubo are known in ancient Greece , Lajja Gauri and Yoni in India , Nin-imma in Mesopotamia and Sheela na gig in Western Europe .
An origin story explains that the representation should go back to a woman named Dilukai . She was the sister of the criminal Atmatuyuk . He disappeared and these pictures of his sister were put up to prevent him from coming back, as it is forbidden for a brother to see his sister's genitals .
Christian missionaries abhorred the Dilukai. In this context, the original legend was changed. The depiction was interpreted as punishment for an immoral woman.
literature
- Anne D'Alleva: Arts of the Pacific Islands. Harry N. Abrams, New York 1998.
- Lindsay Jones (Ed.): Encyclopedia of Religion. Macmillan, Detroit 2005, article Yoni.
- Patrick Tellei: Palauan Bai (Meeting House): Parts and Depictions as a Pictorial Representation of Palau. In: Samuel Lee (Ed.): Traditional Knowledge and Wisdom. Themes from the Pacific Islands . ICHCAP, Jeonju 2014, pp. 338–359, here p. 350.
Web links
- Gable Figure (Dilukai) late 19th – early 20th century. Belauan. Metropolitan Museum of Art