tambeng

TAMBENG
The Boie’nen word "tambeng" refers to a traditional, portable bamboo-grate barrier or weir used by fishermen to encircle and gradually constrict a large area of a river or lake, trapping fish and allowing for easy capture with bare hands as the encircled area narrows.

(Visually, the panel behaves like a tambour (roll-top) door—flexible and slatted—except it is used upright in water as a movable enclosure.)

Description\

• Portable bamboo-grate barrier: The tambeng is a modular, lattice-like structure composed of multiple bamboo segments that can be overlap-linked to encircle a large area of a river or lake. Each segment is designed to be lightweight and portable, allowing one person to carry it, thereby facilitating easy transportation and setup.\
• Fishing technique: Fishermen use the tambeng to gradually constrict or narrow the encircled area, creating a trap for fish.

Fishing Method\

• Encirclement: Fishermen position the tambeng to surround a large area of water, then slowly move inward, constricting the space. Often fishermen would in advance stake an patch of water putting in it twigs and water hyacinth encircled with bamboo poles held by posts to keep the hyacinth from floating away -a makeshift fish shade/sanctuary referred to as tabon.\
• Fish capture: As the area becomes smaller, fish become trapped and frantic, attempting to escape through the tambeng's grates. Fishermen can then easily catch the fish with their bare hands. Often they’d walk sideways with their back toucing the weir-wall and their hands on their back poised to grasp fish trying to get through the weir-grate.

Advantages\

• *Effective fishing method*: The tambeng allows for efficient fish capture, making it a valuable technique for Boie’nen fishermen.\
• Traditional knowledge: The use of tambeng reflects Boie’nen knowledge and skill in harnessing natural materials and exploiting the environment sustainably.