Total population | |
---|---|
21,300[1] | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Indonesia (Seram Island) | |
Languages | |
Alune language (Malayo-Polynesian), Indonesian language | |
Religion | |
Christianity (predominantly), Islam, Animism | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Wemale people |
The Alune (sometimes Sapalewa or Sapolewa) people are one of the long-established ethnic groups of Seram Island, Indonesia. They number about 21,300 and live in 27 villages of the western-central area of the island. Like the Wemale, they originated in a common group called Patasiwa.[2]
The Alune speak a language of Malayo-Polynesian origin. It is also known as Sapalewa or Patasiwa Alfoeren and, despite the small number of speakers, it has a few dialects. The most prestigious dialect is the Rambatu speech variety.[3] The Hainuwele legend is an origin myth from the Alune and Wemale folklore.[4] It was recorded by German ethnologist Adolf Ellegard Jensen in a 1937–8 expedition to the Maluku Islands.[5]