Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Self-Stabbing Dancers Celebrate Rice Planting, Gender Fluidity

6/7/2026

26 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Dancers performed the ma'giri self-stabbing ritual during a three-day rice-planting ceremony in Segeri, South Sulawesi.
The performers, revered spiritual leaders who bless weddings, births and funerals, embody both male and female traits.
Spectators saw the dancers twist blades into their necks without bleeding, causing a man to recoil.
The ritual dates back over a thousand years and reflects the community’s reverence for gender fluidity.

1 of 1

Story summary

Dancers performed the ma'giri self-stabbing ritual during a three-day rice-planting ceremony in Segeri, South Sulawesi.
The performers, revered spiritual leaders who bless weddings, births and funerals, embody both male and female traits.
Spectators saw the dancers twist blades into their necks without bleeding, causing a man to recoil.
The ritual dates back over a thousand years and reflects the community’s reverence for gender fluidity.