Ayam Cemani: The Mystical All Black Chicken
Every part of this animal is black, even its bones and internal organs
The Ayam Cemani is a breed of chicken that originated from Java in Indonesia. Although its exact origins are a mystery, it was likely the result of a cross between the green jungle fowl and the red jungle fowl. Even its name carries multiple meanings, with Ayam meaning chicken in Indonesian and Cemani either referring to a village or ‘solid black’ in Sanskrit.
The reason for this obscure name is that the Ayam Cemani has a rare trait called fibromelanonis, which causes hyperpigmentation in the chicken’s body, causing it to turn black. However, unlike albinism, it goes beyond the skin and feathers as it also results in black flesh, black bones, and even black internal organs. Its blood, however, is still red, though it's said to be slightly darker than domestic chickens.
In Indonesia, these birds were viewed as status symbols and kept by wealthy families who cared for them. Due to their mystical appearance, they were also said to have magical powers and could act as a medium between the living and spirit worlds.
Dutch settlers first discovered the breed after they witnessed the locals using them in religious rituals where they would sometimes be sacrificed to please the gods…
