Ethnobotanical Use of Plants in the Dayak Iban Mentiek Ritual in Sintang

Abstract

Mentiek is a traditional disease-warding ceremony practiced by the Dayak Iban community to seek protection from natural forces and prevent or overcome diseases and epidemics. However, scientific documentation of plant use in the Mentiek ceremony in Mungguk Gelombang Village, Ketungau Tengah District, Sintang Regency, Indonesia, remains limited. This study aimed to identify the plant species used, the plant parts utilized, and their functions in the ceremony. Data were collected from 22 purposively selected respondents, including customary council members, customary leaders, and traditional healers. Data were analyzed using quantitative and descriptive methods. The study documented 15 plant species belonging to 10 families. Rice (Oryza sativa L.), glutinous rice (Oryza sativa L. var. glutinosa), bamboo (Schizostachyum blumei), taro (Colocasia esculenta L.), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), and kumpang (Horsfieldia sp.) each recorded a citation frequency (CF) of 100%, indicating that all respondents mentioned these plants. Poaceae was the most represented family. Fruits and seeds were the most frequently recorded plant parts, accounting for 27% of all reported uses, while gardens were the primary source of plants (40%). These findings document the diversity and cultural significance of plants used in the Mentiek ceremony and may support community-based efforts to conserve and cultivate culturally important plant species.