Sunday, April 15, 2012

Muna


WHO are they? The Muna people (also called Wuna) live in the province of Southeast
Sulawesi on the larger islands of Muna and the west coast of Buton, and the smaller
islands of Kadatua, Siompu, Bangkomalape, Tiworo, and Telaga.

WHERE do they live? The Muna make their living as farmers, with their primary crops
being cashews, corn, rice, and seaweed. Other crops include sweet potatoes, sugar
cane and various kinds of spices. A large portion of their commerce has come from
marketing the products of the jungle such as teak wood and rattan. The Muna usually
live in the interior of the island, though there are a good number of coastal communities.
They live together in kinship groups, which are called Tombu. Those who live by the
sea have been successful in pearl farming and cultivation of seaweed.

HOW many? 300,000

WHAT do they worship? The majority of Muna follow Sunni Islam. There is a Christian
minority, with two villages being historically Catholic. There was a Protestant village, but
those residents have moved to Ambon. Followers of Islam believe they will be judged
on their knowledge of the Qur'an (Islamic holy book) as well as their deeds done during
this lifetime. However, traditional animistic beliefs still influence many aspects of Muna
life.