The Symbolism and Role of Menhir Stones in the Tradition of Ancestral Reverence in Kalimbuang Bori Toraja
Keywords:
Culture, Ancestors, Menhir, Symbolic, TorajaAbstract
This study aims to explore the symbolic meaning and analyze the role of menhirs in the ancestral veneration traditions of the Kalimbuang Bori community, North Toraja. The research employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical method, using in-depth interviews, participant observation, documentation, and literature study as data collection techniques. Thematic analysis was applied to interpret the data and identify cultural and spiritual meanings related to the presence of menhirs. The findings reveal that menhirs symbolize social status, represented by their size and the number of buffaloes sacrificed during their erection. The taller the menhir, the higher the social position of the family. Beyond their social role, menhirs also function as spiritual mediators connecting the living with their ancestors, symbols of continuity, and means of reinforcing social solidarity through collective participation in ritual practices. Moreover, menhirs serve as cultural identity markers that are transmitted across generations, highlighting Kalimbuang Bori not only as a heritage site but also as a living symbol of Toraja’s cultural and spiritual values.
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