Sundanese

Sundanese

Any member of the highland people of western Java, Indon., distinguished from the Javanese mainly by their language and their strict adherence to Islam. First mentioned in the 8th century AD, they are one of the three principal ethnic groups on the island. They once followed Mahayana Buddhism but converted to Islam in the 16th century under the influence of Muslim trade. Sundanese villages are ruled by a headman and a council of elders. Marriage, birth, and death ceremonies conform closely to the Javanese pattern but are often mixed with Hindu elements. Modern developments have tended to erase differences between the Sundanese and other peoples of Java. The Sundanese number about 26 million.

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Sundanese 

(self-designation, Sunda), a people in the mountainous western part of Java.

The Sundanese number approximately 19 million (1975, estimate). Racially, they belong to the southern Mongoloids. Their language, which belongs to the Indonesian languages, and their material culture are similar to those of the Javanese. Their religion is Islam, but they have also retained many ancient beliefs.

Since approximately A.D. 1500, the Sundanese have been noted for land cultivation, especially the growing of rice, corn, cassava, and vegetables. They have built irrigation canals and terraces. In the 20th century, plantations of tea, coffee, cacao, and rubber have become common. The Sundanese also raise livestock and engage in handicrafts, notably weaving. Ancient folk traditions are manifested in their art and crafts. Many Sundanese work in industry.

The Sundanese include the Badui, an ethnic group that has in large part preserved the archaic features of its economy and culture.

REFERENCE

Narody lugo-Vostochnoi Azii. Moscow, 1966. (Contains bibliography.)