Paledang,peledang, orpledang is a type of Indonesian sailing vessel used foraboriginal whaling from the communities ofLamalera andLamakera in the islands ofLembata andSolor, respectively. It is propelled by sails made from wovenpandan leaves and bypaddles. The boat is equipped with a bamboo harpoon, whose hook is attached to the boat using the "sacred rope" calledleo, which is made from the leaves of the gebang palm (Corypha utan) and fiber from waru bark (Hibiscus tiliaceus). The boat's crew of around 6 to 10 people also wear aleo aka sacred rope made from cotton and turi bark (Sesbania grandiflora) for luck. The person tasked with the harpoon is called theLamafa, a position of great importance. Alongside him is an assistant who handles theleo, who also has a high status along with the person who controls the boat (called theTuan Perahu, lit. "boat master"). Paledang are made by traditional boat-makers called theAta Molan. He decides on which part of a hunted whale goes to which crew member.[1][2][3]
Until the late 90s, these boats were used exclusively forwhale hunting, but in modern times, motorized boats called "Johnsons" are also being used.[1]
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