I live in East Flores, Flores Island (Flores island means Flower in Portuguese). Our neighbor island, we called Lomblein (Lembata) has unique tradition. A traditional village in southeast Lamalera has the traditional whale hunting. I have my own experience there with them. I’m not scare because I am a sea boy and my little kid was spend in the sea and whale is our daily pictures.
Before they turn to catch whale, first they establish religion ritual, ask and permit God in order to get successful and lucky. Every time before they decide to catch the giant fish Whale, they do it religion ritual; asking salvation in the sea.
Can you imagine how big the whale? Very big. and they catch it while they are in small boat (wooden material). They jump to sea and gaff the whale. They are master because they have very accurate strike, exactly in the heart or ticker if the whale. Once wrong strike, a problems is rose.
The whale will bring them to uncertain destination. One week later, They arrive in Australia or far far away from their village. So that is very important think is accurate in striking.
When I was young, NHK group visit my place, came to my home, and asked my father to bring them to the sea where dolphin are. They wanted to record from close and learn more about the wild dolphin. My father knew that he can call the dolphins. With our old Fiber-boat, my father took them to the Flores Sea and Japaneses were so glad because they can hold the wild dolphin, they also recorded very fantastic dolphin attraction in the sea.
If you want to sea closer the wild dolphin and traditional whale catching, I can connected you to the place, contact me at yohaneskerans@metropolis-travelling.com. Any request and asking will be answered quickly ASAP
Thank
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