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?ither against spear-wielding humans or, far more spectacularly, water buffalos.