Rampok Macan were Javanese ceremonies which centered upon the slaying of tigers; perhaps as a symbolic way for humans to confirm their dominance over nature; but also to affirm the supremacy of the sultan; raja or ruler at the centre of the mandala or circle of power.

The tigers were not sacrificed; per se; but rather forced into combat that virtually guaranteed their deaths鈥攅ither against spear-wielding humans or; far more spectacularly; water buffalos. Pictures From History