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Lepa, also known aslipa orlepa-lepa, are indigenous ships of theSama-Bajau people in thePhilippines,Malaysia, andIndonesia. They were traditionally used ashouseboats by the seagoingSama Dilaut. Since most Sama have abandoned exclusive sea-living, modernlepa are instead used as fishing boats and cargo vessels.[1]
Lepa are medium-sized boats, usually averaging at 30 to 50 ft (9.1 to 15.2 m) in length, and around 5 to 7 ft (1.5 to 2.1 m) in width; with the hull averaging at 5 ft (1.5 m) in height.Lepa is also known aspidlas, among land-dwelling Sama. Very largelepa are known assapit orkumpit. They can reach lengths of 50 to 120 ft (15 to 37 m) and are most often used as trade ships and also for deep sea fishing.[2][3][4] Familylepa usually tow smaller daughter ships, like thebuggoh or thebirau.Lepa can also be used as a generic term for "boat" in the various Sama-Bajau groups; thevinta, for example, is also known aslepa-lepa.Lepa nowadays are increasingly being replaced by motor-poweredoutrigger canoes, thepambot ("pump boat").[1][3][5][6][7]
The name "Lepa" originated from the word of Sama-Bajau that lived inTimbun Mata Island,Semporna which isPaleh Tinampah (the name of second generations oflepa created afterbogo-basal). The name later on was shortened tolepa which became the standard name for all the houseboats created in the coastal area of Semporna before it spreads to the area aroundSulu Archipelago.[4][8]
The keel oflepa is made from a shallowdugout known as thetadas orlunas. It is built up along the sides withstrakes that are narrower than the keel. An additional three sideboards are joined edge-to-edge to the topmost strake (thegunwales), extending from the stern. They are known as (bottom to top)bengkol,kapi kapi, andkoyang koyang. They do not extend fully towards the prow, forming a distinctive gap at the front hull of the ship. The hull tapers sharply at the prow and stern. Like in other indigenous Philippine ships, the hull of thelepa is traditionally fitted together bydowels (tambuko) and fiber lashings instead of nails. A detachable house-like structure (thekubu orbalutu) is often built in the center of the hull, with a removable decking known aslantai as the floor. The roof (sapaw) is made with plaitednipa leaves mounted on detachable Y-shaped posts. The portable cooking hearth (lappohan) is located in the stern deck, along with stored food (lutu) and water jars (kibut).[9][1][6]
Lepa has a single sail (lamak), mounted on a mast socketed into the keel through the front decking. Like the roof posts, it can be detached as needed.Lepa can also be propelled bypaddles (dayung) orquant poles. Modernlepa are almost universally fitted with motor engines.[1][6]
Lepa can be differentiated from other native boats in the region (like thedjenging andvinta, which are also used as houseboats) in that thelepa does not haveoutriggers. The prow and the stern are also made from flat carved blocks of wood, and not posts or curving planks as in vessels like thebalangay. The bow (mundaˊ) and the stern (buliˊ) are low on the water to make the casting and gathering nets easier, as well as facilitate poling and rowing.[1]
Lepa are traditionally decorated with elaborate flowery designs known asokil (also spelledukkil). The prow, especially, often features a large beautifully-carvedbowsprit called thejungal orjungar.[1][7][10][9][6]
In the Philippines and Malaysia, there are usually no rituals involved in the making or the launching of thelepa, probably a result of the higher level ofIslamization of indigenous Sama beliefs. In eastern Indonesia however, prayers and rituals are associated with the joining of the keel with the bow and stern blocks, and the drilling of the mast post (the "navel" of the ship). After the latter, the boat is launched for the first time, and symbolically becomes the child of the boat owner.[6]
In the nomadic past of the Sama Dilaut, before a young man was to be married, his family would build or buy him alepa, so he and his wife could live as an independent fishing unit. Upon his death, hislepa would be disassembled and served as his coffin for burial.[6]
Before undertaking long or dangerous journeys,lepa are often blessed with magic spells (haligmun) by the village shaman. These include spells that supposedly makes them invisible to pirates or deflect bullets. Sama-Bajau also sometimes make a pledge (magjanji') to God (Tuhan) or to ancestor spirits (umboh) in a crisis at sea, or when a boat fails to return home. When the boat is safe, the pledge is paid by a thanksgiving feast called themagmaulud ormagbajanji.[6]
Regatta Lepa is an annual boat festival inSemporna,Malaysia, celebrating the boatbuilding tradition of the Sama-Bajau communities inSabah.[5][3] Starting from 2019, Philippines start to introduce Lepa Festival as part of the celebrations for 46th Kamahardikaan Sin Tawi-Tawi (Provincial Day). This celebration symbolizes a deep appreciation for the wealth and culture of Tawi-Tawi which are predominantly inhabited by the Sama-Bajau people.[11][12]
