Bonerate people

The Bonerate people are an ethnic group in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. They inhabit around the Selayar island group such as Bonerate, Madu, Kalaotoa, and Karompa islands.^[2]

Bonerate people

Pakarena dancers from Selayar Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Total population
13,900[1]
Regions with significant populations
Indonesia (South Sulawesi)
Languages
Tukangbesi-Bonerate languages (Bonerate language), Indonesian language
Religion
Islam
Related ethnic groups
Butonese people

Culture

The Bonerate people are generally Muslims.^[3] Some traditional beliefs are still extant among the Bonerate.^[4] Sexually provocative behaviour occurs in possession-trance ritual practiced by women only^[5] and were carried out in a way by which they smother glowing embers with their bare feet at the climax of the ritual.^[6] The Bonerate language is closely related to the language of the Tukang Besi islands off the southeast coast of Buton island.^[7][8]

Many Bonerate are agriculturists, utilizing the slash-and-burn technique. Common crops grown include corn, cassava, several fruits like papaya and bananas and some vegetables like beans and peas. Some Bonerate also work as shipbuilders and sailors.^[4]