Bissu Phenomenon Cover Image

Fenomen Bissu
Bissu Phenomenon

Author(s): Zygmunt Zdrojewicz, Adam Jagodziński, Katarzyna Brust, Małgorzata Kowalik
Subject(s): Gender Studies
Published by: Centrum Terapii Michał Lew-Starowicz
Keywords: bissu; asexuality; transgender

Summary/Abstract: A definition of sex is very complicated. It can be described among others in biological and also psychical aspect. Traditionally there are five sexes in a culture of indonesian island Sulawesi. The first four of them are female, male, transgender people (phenotypic man or woman who identify with oposite sex). A bissu is the “fifth sex” that can be described as asexual person without sexual identity (gender neutral). The bissu function as shamans and spiritual guides who take care of local tradition. Most of them were firstly calabai who are biological men living and being dressed like a women. Postmenopausal women also can become the bissu. Not everyone can become one of them. There are some specific conditions to meet and also an unique course to complete. Although the bissu are an interesting part of Sulawesi island’s culture, they are loosing their original image due to commercialisation of their function.

  • Issue Year: 14/2017
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 42-50
  • Page Count: 9
  • Language: English, Polish