In Search of Nan Tar Tar Nan Tor Tor (The Dancing Goddess)
On Celluloid
2023
In this project, I aim to investigate the intricate relationship between colonial exploitation and the disappearance of camphor trees in Sumatra by examining various archives, myths, manuscripts, legends, family histories, and collective memories.
A legend of the upland peoples narrates how camphor originated from the spirit of a woman named Nan Tar Tar nan Tor Tor ("the Dancing One") who sought refuge in camphor tree after camphor tree while trying to escape a malevolent ancestral ghost. As the tree has vanished from the area, one way to find Her is to delve into the celluloid, as the materiality has been transformed into it during the colonial era. I believe celluloid is Her new hideout.
Collaborators
A legend of the upland peoples narrates how camphor originated from the spirit of a woman named Nan Tar Tar nan Tor Tor ("the Dancing One") who sought refuge in camphor tree after camphor tree while trying to escape a malevolent ancestral ghost. As the tree has vanished from the area, one way to find Her is to delve into the celluloid, as the materiality has been transformed into it during the colonial era. I believe celluloid is Her new hideout.
Collaborators
- DOP: Patrick Tantra
- Researcher: Raisa Kamila
- Producer: Wibi Triadi, Madyn Nugeraha
- Director: L. P. De Bussy
- Title: Lijkbezorging bij de Karo-Bataks (1917)
- Description: A two-part reportage on the funeral ceremonies and religious practices of the Karo-Batak, an ethnic group in North Sumatra.
- Produced by: Koloniaal Instituut (Amsterdam)
- Collection: Eye Museum, The Netherlands
- Author: W.H. de Vriese
- Titles:
- De Kamferboom van Sumatra (Dryobalanops camphora Colebr.): volgens Dr. F. Junghuhn's waarnemingen op de plaats zelve, en door nadere onderzoekingen toegelicht (1851)
- Mémoire sur le Camphier de Sumatra et de Bornéo (1856)
- Author: Ir. W. Spoon
- Title: Overzicht van proeven, in Nederlandsch Oost-Indië genomen met de cultuur can den Japanschen Kamferboom (1929)
- Item: Camphor oil
- Location: Barus, August 2022
- Collector: Maskudin Simandjuntak
- Item: Various cine films (Celluloid)
- Source: eBay (bidding)
- Item: Pustaha Batak
- Source: British Library
- Photographer: Dani Huda
- Title: Intersection, Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival
- Degree Show MA Art and Ecology