Mahatala

The sun, part of a dual being with the earth goddess Jata. He represents the upperworld, the Hornbill, and she the underworld, the Watersnake. He was the creator but called upon Jata to help with the second period of creation.

The name Matahala replaced the various native names. His full name, Ranying Mahatala Langit, is used in the priesthood.

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References

Sources

  • Kruijt, Alb. C. (1925). "Indonesians." In ERE, Vol. 7, 232-252, p. 249.
  • Scharer, Hans. (1963). Ngaju Religion, trans. Rodney Needham. The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff, pp. 14-17.
  • Wales, H. G. Quaritch. (1957). Prehistory and Religion in Southeast Asia. London: Bernard Quaritch, p. 78.