Gâng Tree in the Ceremony of Buffalo Eating: The Conception of the World of Xo Teng People in Tu Mo Rong District, Kon Tum Province

Abstract

In the buffalo eating ceremony, central point causing the most attention is the symbol of gâng tree (sacrificing pole). Xo Teng people have reimitated their world view in a lively way through the plastic symbols and decoration in each part of the gâng tree. In the symbols on gâng tree of Xo Teng people, we can be aware of the system of spirits, human being, and all things carved in the detailed way with full humanism. It can be seen that gâng tree itself is the conception of three layers world [Heaven (pleng pling), middle world (ti rốc moa) and this world (pleng nị)] with six sub-layers which are the dwellings of spirits, human beings, and all things. It reflects fully the conception of universe and animistic beliefs in the life of this group of residents.