Acehnese

ETHNONYMS: Achehnese, Achinese, Atchinese, Atjehnese, Ureung Aceh, Ureung Baroh, Ureung Tunong

Settlements

Most Acehnese live in villages, also known as meunasah, or prayer houses, since each village contains one or more of these. Villages are located in the midst of the inhabitants' rice fields.

Religion and Expressive Culture

Acehnese are considered among the most zealous of all Indonesians in their Islamic beliefs. They are especially concerned with the pilgrimage to Mecca, the tithe, and the fast during Ramadan. There also survive traditional beliefs in the supernatural, as well as magic associated with agriculture and female shamanism.

DANIEL STROUTHES