Placenta Pottery in Indonesian Tradition: Form, Technology, and Belief

Sunarningsih1,2*, Wasita1, Rusyanti1,3, and Katrynada Jauharatna1

The tradition of burying placentas remains an early-life rite practised by various communities in Indonesia. While the precise origins of this practice are uncertain, its persistence reflects a deeply rooted belief system. A central aspect of the rite is the use of clay pots or jars made from fired clay, which are considered irreplaceable for this purpose. Ethnoarchaeological research in Sumatra, Java, and Kalimantan has examined similarities and differences in the shape, manufacturing technology, and spiritual significance of placenta containers. Findings indicate that the containers are generally uniform in form: small, lidded pots or jars that are plain and undecorated, though different local names know them. The manufacturing techniques are also consistent, using clay shaped by simple methods and fired in open or low-temperature kilns (below 600–800 °C). In terms of belief, the burial of the placenta symbolizes the union of humans with the earth, regarded as the origin of life, while the unadorned container signifies the newborn's purity. Collectively, uniformity in form, technology, and cultural meaning suggests processes of diffusion, cultural convergence, or shared cultural heritage within the western Austronesian network. Consequently, the tradition of the placenta jar exemplifies the enduring continuity of Austronesian cultural heritage.