Women And Boat Rock Art: Maritime Route in the Southeast Maluku Islands, Indonesia

Abstract

This study is a preliminary study to reveal the life of archipelagic humans in Indonesia based on rock image evidence. One of the factors in revealing the life of archipelagic humans is seeing the maritime routes of prehistoric humans in the Southeast Maluku Islands, Indonesia. The problem in this paper is how to compare maritime routes in the Southeast Maluku Islands, Indonesia based on the motifs of women's rock images and boats found in prehistoric sites in the area. The purpose of this study was to provide important information to archaeologists regarding the comparison of maritime routes in the Southeast Maluku Islands, Indonesia based on the motifs of women and boats rock images at prehistoric sites in the region. In addition, to find out the comparison of maritime routes between these prehistoric sites in the Southeast Maluku Islands, Indonesia. The research method uses an ethnographic and archaeological approach with survey data collection techniques, literature studies, and interviews. The results show that maritime routes in the Southeast Maluku Islands, Indonesia are classified into 2 (two) route areas, namely 1) trade routes as evidenced by the findings of rock drawings of various types of complex boats. The types of boats intended for long and long trips, as well as the types of loaded boats. Then the context of women's rock images shows more expressions of women's role and function activities in the economy. 2) a stopover route, evidenced by the finding of a simple rock type boat, namely a semang boat or a canoe. In this route, the expression of women's rock images is more of an activity of daily needs.