The Mahakam River. The Mahakam River is the longest river in East Kalimantan and the second longest in Indonesia, flowing approximately 980 kilometers from the Muller Mountains to the Makassar Strait. It serves as a vital economic and cultural artery for the region, supporting transportation, fishing, and indigenous communities. East Kalimantan, Indonesia

A young Hudoq dancer. In Liu Mulang village, the Hudoq tradition and beliefs remain strong, and the dance is practiced across generations, including by the young. Mahakam Ulu regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

The Hudoq mask. Traditionally, Dayak groups like the Bahau and Modang believe Hudoqs represent thirteen crop-destroying pests (such as boars, rats, and crows) that are ritually chased away at the end of the dance by two human-masked figures to restore order. Mahakam Ulu regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

The Hudoq ritual. The Hudoq is a sacred harvest thanksgiving and planting ceremony celebrated by various Dayak sub-tribes, primarily in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Originating from the Mahakam Ulu Regency, the ritual is a deep-rooted spiritual and cultural tradition used to invoke blessings from ancestors and gods for prosperous crops and the warding off of pests Mahakam Ulu regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Blessing ceremony. The Hudoq ritual consists of several sacred stages. Each village prepares a boat carrying the Hudoq masks, which are kept covered and brought into the forest. There, tribal elders perform a blessing ceremony, asking the spirits of their ancestors to descend and bless both the people and their crops. After the forest ritual is complete, Dayak men put on traditional Hudoq costumes made of banana leaves and tree bark, then unveil the masks as a sign of the ancestral spirits’ presence among the living. Mahakam Ulu regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Trance dance Dancers represent Hudoqs — spirits believed to be sent from heaven (the land of Apo Lagaan) to protect crops. Dance performances can last from 1 to 5 hours a few times a day and night, featuring trance-like movements accompanied by the rhythmic beat of gongs and drums. Mahakam Ulu regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Village leader. The Hudoq Festival unites many villages of Mahakam Ulu regency. Village representatives arrive to the opening ceremony by boats wearing their traditional banana leaves costumes and carrying covered masks with them. Mahakam Ulu regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Group of Hudoq dancers at the opening ceremony. The masks remain covered as they are carried to a designated place in the forest for the opening ceremony. Tribal elders perform a blessing ritual, asking the spirits of their ancestors to descend and bless both the people and their crops. Dancers typically cover their entire bodies in layered, frayed banana leaves or areca palm leaves to create a bushy, supernatural appearance. Mahakam Ulu regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Craftsman. A local mask craftsman keeps the tradition alive by carving Hudoq masks on demand for villagers. Made from lightweight Jelutung wood, the masks feature exaggerated forms — bulging eyes, large ears with heavy earrings, and pronounced beaks or fangs — most often depicting animal-like spirits or bird–dragon hybrids. Mahakam Ulu regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

The Hudoq Festival in Liu Mulang village. Men and women dance in the open field for several hours, moving in continuous circles while drinking arak, a traditional rice wine. The steady rhythm of traditional instruments fills the air as the Hudoq dancers remain in the center of the field, circling without interruption for hours as part of the ritual. Mahakam Ulu regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Covered Hudoq at home. The Hudoq mask is kept covered at home and is only uncovered during the festival. It is usually placed in a prominent position within the house, reflecting its ritual importance. Mahakam Ulu regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia