Intangible heritage and rituals of spirit purification embedded in the cultural landscape of riverfront communities in Southern Laos
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This article explores the indigenous practices of local communities in establishing connections between local spirits and natural features through the cultural process known as Pop (ປອບ). The term Pop carries multiple meanings: (1) literally, it means ‘to soothe, pacify, console’; and (2) culturally, it refers to a malevolent spirit believed to consume the intestines and organs of its host. Pop also refers to a social phenomenon involving the exclusion and expulsion of those who are seen as spiritually afflicted or socially alienated from their communities. The study specifically focuses on the purification process, known as Pua-Pop (ປວງປອບ), conducted in waterfront villages along the Mekong River in Southern Laos. These villages serve as sanctuaries for individuals accused and expelled from their original communities. Consequently, the village becomes a diverse community comprising people who share collective spiritual connections to the land and its natural resources. The study employed cultural landscape surveys that provided initial insights into agricultural land-use practices, livelihoods, and the role of spirits and natural features in the village. Through an analysis of the recovery process experienced by individuals previously affected by Pop possession, the study examined the emergence of the Pua-Pop ritual as a traditional management system in riverfront communities within the Greater Mekong subregion, specifically in Southern Laos. The findings revealed a strong connection between the purification ritual processes and the riverine spiritual landscape, encompassing the Mekong River, grassland and swamp areas.
Abstract
This article explores the indigenous practices of local communities in establishing connections between local spirits and natural features through the cultural process known as Pop (ປອບ). The term Pop carries multiple meanings: (1) literally, it means ‘to soothe, pacify, console’; and (2) culturally, it refers to a malevolent spirit believed to consume the intestines and organs of its host. Pop also refers to a social phenomenon involving the exclusion and expulsion of those who are seen as spiritually afflicted or socially alienated from their communities. The study specifically focuses on the purification process, known as Pua-Pop (ປວງປອບ), conducted in waterfront villages along the Mekong River in Southern Laos. These villages serve as sanctuaries for individuals accused and expelled from their original communities. Consequently, the village becomes a diverse community comprising people who share collective spiritual connections to the land and its natural resources. The study employed cultural landscape surveys that provided initial insights into agricultural land-use practices, livelihoods, and the role of spirits and natural features in the village. Through an analysis of the recovery process experienced by individuals previously affected by Pop possession, the study examined the emergence of the Pua-Pop ritual as a traditional management system in riverfront communities within the Greater Mekong subregion, specifically in Southern Laos. The findings revealed a strong connection between the purification ritual processes and the riverine spiritual landscape, encompassing the Mekong River, grassland and swamp areas.