An overview of Western Pantar

Music

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Gung Doli

A song celebrating the tenuous but close relationship between the upland peoples (i.e., Western Pantar speakers) and the Austronesian-speaking peoples of Baranusa, on the north coast of Pantar.

Gung Doli song being recorded

Recorded 19-Nov-2006 in Alimakke
Singers: Asur Landu, Aminadab Wa'ang, and Theofilus Landa.
Copyright © 2006 Landu, Wa'ang, and Landa

gunnang	sula-sula	kela'a	dosing
sky	RDP-written	k.o. crab	pry

the sky is streaked, the crabs are prying

langit tertulis-tulis, meting cungkil

Bara	tawa	sisa	lue-lue	gaunung
Baranusa	ocean	dry	RDP-expansive	just

the tide is out at Baranusa, very expansive

air turun di Baranusa, luas sekali

Bara	wakke	galali	tung	biddi	hala	ga'ai
Baranusa	child	3pl.abuse	1pl.Vcomp	pull	FOC	3SG.BEN

Baranusa people are being abusive inviting problems

orang Baranusa maki udang masalah

harang	wakke	galali	ber	banang	hala	ga'ai
upland	child	3pl.abuse	problem	ask.for	FOC	3SG.BEN

people of the uplands are being abusive asking for trouble

orang di atas maki minta masalah

gung doli, gung doli, gung doli, gung doli

[translation unclear]

Meli

This song serves as an introduction to the Soli lego-lego dance. Though they have separate origins the two are often performed together and referred to as Soli-Meli. Meli is traditionally sung acapella preceding the beginning of the drumming and gonging that accompany the Soli. The words of the song are obscure and difficult to translate.

Elisita Blegur

selu selu selu si
bang lolang goru selu selu si
bang koming harang wa habbang
hoppu harang kete
lorang sapi lorang da'ai libang
bara pukang pukang olang da'ai
tena sara di tena kai
sa nang ai sa ya
ittar hakkas tang ussing
hipa gar ma