How do maramba masters justify violence as normal within marapu custom?

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Maramba Masters Justify Violence Through Marapu Custom and Ownership

Maramba masters in Sumba justify violence, including sexual violence, as a normal aspect of the marapu custom and their inherent ownership over enslaved individuals, referred to as "atas." This belief system permits masters to exert control and authority, framing actions that would otherwise be considered criminal as legitimate within their traditional framework. The deeply ingrained social stratification, rooted in the marapu belief system blending animism and ancestor worship, underpins this acceptance of violence.
Violence as an Exercise of Authority Over Property

Within the marapu tradition, a maramba master's claim over an "ata" extends to viewing them as personal property. As explained by Andy Yentriyani, a former head of the National Commission on Violence Against Women, if a girl is enslaved, she is considered to belong to the master. Consequently, sexual intercourse with her is not perceived as rape but rather as an act of "using your authority (over) your belonging." This perspective dehumanizes the enslaved individual, stripping them of agency and rendering them subject to the master's will without recourse.
Justification of Sexual Violence and Coercion

The normalization of violence is further exemplified by the statement of Pastor Marlin Lomi, head of the Protestant synod of East Sumba. He indicated that a master can "use" his maidservant, and this is deemed normal within the established customs. The coercive nature of this power dynamic is underscored by the admission of one anonymous maramba, who confirmed that if he desired a female slave and she refused, he would resort to beating her husband. This illustrates a brutal enforcement mechanism designed to ensure compliance and maintain the master's dominance.
Impunity for Violence Due to Victim Silence

The pervasive fear and resignation among the enslaved population significantly contribute to the perpetuation of violence. According to rights activist Martha Hebi, such violence often goes unpunished because victims do not dare to testify against their masters. This silence is a direct consequence of the masters' entrenched authority and the societal acceptance of their actions within the marapu framework, creating a cycle of abuse where perpetrators face little to no legal or social repercussions.

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How do maramba masters justify violence as normal within marapu custom?

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