IAR Journal of Humanities and Cultural Studies ISSN Print : 2709-3328 | ISSN Online : 2709-3336 Frequency : Bi-Monthly Language : English Origin : Kenya Website : https://www.iarconsortium.org/journal-info/iarjhcs

Research Article The Meaning of Bolang Bagas Godang Huta Godang Ornament in Ulu Pungkut, Mandailing Natal Article History Abstract: North retains many historical and cultural heritages, such as traditional ornaments and structures known as customary buildings. One of its Received: 05.10.2020 customary buildin gs is the traditional Mandailing house (bagas godang), which Accepted: 22.10.2020 exhibits unique and distinctive ornaments. This original traditional heritage Revision: 25.10.2020 reflects the noble values and personality of the local community. The t raditional Mandailing Natal house presents ornaments on its roof (tutup ari). Each carving Published: 30.10.2020 in the ornaments carries values and meaning. Bolang or traditional Mandailing Author Details ornaments used as roof symbols are made of plants, animals, and everyday objects. The ornaments are made by means of weaving and carving using tools from carved bamboos. Carving the ornament is not an easy task since it requires a Miftahun Naufa, Anni Kholilah and comprehensive contemplation. The carving process needs to consider the Muhammad Ghifari characters and features of the three materials used in the ornaments. Each Authors Affiliations ornament implies strong values and meanings of the customary laws. The use of Department of Fine Arts and Design, Institut colors in the ornament is distinctively traditional instead of arbitrary colors. The Seni Budaya (ISBI) Aceh Jln. Nuri, colors have their own values and meanings for the Mandailing Natal community. Gampong Jantho Makmur Aceh Besar 23911 Art culture is almost extinct. The almost extinct art culture encourages the authors Indonesia to promote it to the community so that they remember their ancestors. Personality expressed throughout time encourages the community to experience the ancestral Corresponding Author* noble values.

Miftahun Naufa Keywords: Bagas Godang; Traditional House in Mandailing; The Meaning of How to Cite the Article: The Ornament. Miftahun Naufa, Anni Kholilah and Muhammad Ghifari; (2020); Dynamics of Humanitarian Assistance to Refugees in the East Region of I. INTRODUCTION Cameroon: The Case of Frontline Villages along the Cameroon-Republic of Central African Boundary. Mandailing is an area located in Mandailing Natal Regency in the IAR J Human Cul. Stud. 1(1)62-68. middle of Sumatra Island. Indonesian has diverse and colorful cultures. Copyright @ 2020: This is an open-access article Culture is a human philosophy, while tradition is the product of distributed under the terms of the Creative philosophy. Culture is a method to live and develop wh ich is shared Commons Attribution license which permits together in a group of people and inherited to subsequent generations. unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium for non commercial use Culture is shaped by intricate elements from a complex system of (NonCommercial, or CC-BY-NC) provided the religions, politics, languages, customs, tools, structures, clothes, and original author and source are credited. artworks.

The bond between the Madina community and nature is often articulated in many traditional expressions. These expressions are the records of their close relationship with the surrounding nature from thousand years of their civilization. Their close connection with nature suggests that nature is not dangerous and harmful for them but could be tamed for the welfare of their life.

Figure 1. Front view of Bagas Godang Traditional House (Photo Credit: by Anni Kholilah )

62

Miftahun Naufa et al., IAR J Human Cul Stud; Vol-1, Iss- 1 (Sep-Oct, 2020):62-68

Mandailing also has traditional houses called bagas godang. The Mandailing traditional houses are unique Architecture Houses. Bagas godang function as a king palace. In addition to a place for holding traditional ceremonies, bagas godang also functions as a shelter for the community members whose safety is guaranteed by the King.

Figure 2. Front view of Bagas Godang Traditional House (Photo Credit: by Anni Kholilah )

The triangle cover on the front side of the ornaments in Bagas Godang Mandailing Natal staircase is called alo angin or tutup ari resembles Traditional House. bindu matogu as dalihan natolu symbols. The Mandailing traditional house is rich in ornaments such The noble values are often referred to as holong as Mata ni ari (sun), moon, star, Rudang (flower), dohot domu. Holong means loving each other and being Panji-panji, Raga-raga, Suncang duri, Jagar, kinds to other people. Domu means the unity of the Sipatomu-tomu, Podang (sword), Takar (coconut shell), people who are considered as one huta and one Tanduk nihorbo (buffalo horn), Hand, Bindu, Bona descendant. Domu is considered innate (na ni oban bulu, and Alaman bolak. These ornaments possess their topak), also known as tumbaga holing naso ra sasa, own meanings in the culture of Mandailing Natal. something that has been imprinted on the heart and cannot be obliterated. The values are believed as the The bolang on Sopo Godang and bagas philosophy of life for the Mandailing people. godang is made of by means of weaving, interlacing, and craving. Sheets of bamboos trimmed into various A. State of The Art designs are used as the main weaving materials and Literature reviews on the meaning of fixed as tutup ari. Ornament in Bolang Bagas Godang at Huta Godang

“These ornaments are mostly painted in na rara (red), Village, Ulu Pungkut Regency, Mandailing Natal, were na lomlom (black) and na bontar (white), which is first conducted to enrich the etymology and literature of closely related to the cosmology of Mandailing. Na this study. The ornaments of bagas godang and sopo rara symbolizes strength, courage, and heroism; na godang in Mandailing Natal has previously been bontar symbolizes chastity, honesty, and kindness; na studied in some literature. However, the current study lomlom symbolizes occult (supernatural) in animism would significantly be distinct from the existing studies known as Sipelebegu”. on this object.

The fact that these ornaments have their own Adat Budaya Mandailing dalam Tantangan meaning makes them an appealing object of scientific Zaman (Mandailing Culture in the Modern Era), by H. study. The modern Mandailing people, especially the Pandapotan Nasution, SH. 2005. This book discusses youth, have mostly forgotten or neglected the legacy of the culture of Mandailing community, starting from its their noble values. This study is expected to provide territory to the influence of the modern world. In contemporary literature of the object studied. It is also addition to huta as the place for the Mandailing people expected to inform the Indonesian people, especially the live, there is bagas godang traditional house as the king Mandailing Natal community, about the meaning of the

63

Miftahun Naufa et al., IAR J Human Cul Stud; Vol-1, Iss- 1 (Sep-Oct, 2020):62-68 palace and the sopo godang as the customary hall or Bagas Godang Carving Motifs in Huta Godang Village, customary court. Madina Regency, ), by Fatimah, et.al., The journal reported that among the carving motifs Bolang – Ornamen Tradisional Mandailing often found in bagas godang are plants and animals. (Bolang, Traditional Mandailing Ornaments), by: Edi Each carving motifs has its own meaning. The pucuk Nasution. This book describes that the Mandailing rebung symbolize dalihan natolu tradition while ulu ornaments are called bolang, which functions as nihorbo (buffalo head) symbolizes the responsibility of symbols or emblems and convey profound meanings to the bagas godang owner. Carving motifs also present the Mandailing community. Values, ideas, concepts, on the poles of bagas godang, terrace wall, and norms, rules, laws, and customary provisions depict in windows. They are also carved on weapons, swords, the ornaments provide foundation and guidance for tombstones and musical tools. their life. Bentuk dan Fungsi Sopo Godang Tapanuli Sejarah Suku Mandailing, Sumatera Utara Selatan Mandailing Natal (Shapes and Functions of (History of the Mandailing Tribe, North Sumatra), by Sopo Godang in South Tapanuli, Mandailing Natal), by Lani Ervina Savitri. Culture is a human philosophy, Anni Kholilah. Anni Kholilah’s research discussed the while tradition is the product of philosophy. A tribe is shapes and functions of Sopo Godang Sopo Sio the highest socio-cultural unit entailing at least one or Rancang Magodang or Sopo Godang. The buildings are more clan (known as Mataruma in Ambon language). supported with extensive pillars, which are odds in tribe is one of the indigenous tribes in Indonesia numbers with equal numbers to their stairs. Sopo which holds diverse cultures. There are more than on Godang is built without walls to represent a democratic Batak tribes, which are divided based on their place of government in Huta. It functions as a place to store residents, such as Batak Toba, Batak Karo, Batak artworks or art tools such as Gordang Sambilan, Simalungun, and Batak Mandailing. These are the Gendang Ogung, a place to hold the traditional Batak tribes that reside in the Sumatera island. convention, and a place to resolve traditional and Mandailing is referred to as a tribe name and a region in judicial matters. It also functions as a guest house for Mandailing Natal Regency, North Sumatera. The outlanders who would spend the night in the village and Mandailing tribe resembles other Batak tribes in that place to hold an art event or tortor. they have a clan system and respect for their tradition. Kumpulan Catatan Lepas Tentang Mandailing Mengenal banguna serta ornamen rumah adat (Collection of Notes about Mandailing), by Z. daerah Mandailing dan hubungannya dengan Pangaduan Lubis, et.al., This book discusses resistance perlambangan adat (Getting to know Mandailing lead by Sutan M Transur against the Dutch. Sutan traditional house ornaments and their connection with Mangkutur was the former King of the huta godang. All traditional symbols), by Drs. Oloan Situmorang. This the kings whose surnames are Lubis once ruled over the book describes the traditional buildings and ornaments kingdoms found in Mandailing Julu, which is not far in Mandailing Natal. The Mandailing community has a from the huta godang. rich traditional culture and obediently follow the rules issued by the King. They have high noble values and II. RESEARCH METHOD are very strict about the arranged rules. Costumery laws also set provisions and regulations for the community to A. Research Design adhere to. They are too very strict about traditional The current study used a qualitative method, which regulations and fair in establishing justice. is a method that examines the condition of natural objects. The sample, as research data source was Arti perlambangan dalam seni ornamen pada collected using several data collection techniques. rumah adat Mandailing (Meaning of symbols in The data were then analyzed using an inductive or ornamental arts at Mandailing traditional house), by qualitative data analysis. The result would give Drs. Oloan Situmorang about fine arts such as sculpture more emphasis and clarity to the meanings of and statues. The essence of ornamental art can still be Bolang Bagas Godang (the ornaments of Bagas applied in both carvings and mozaik. The use of Godang) in Huta Godang Village, Mandailing ornament as decoration plays an important role in a Natal. traditional Mandailing house. It provides beauty to certain objects which are transmitted by the forces of B. Location other surrounding objects. Similarly, the creature spirits The research location was Huta Godang Village, found in the Mandailing traditional houses are apparent Ulu Pungkut District, South Panyabungan District, in their noble culture. Mandailing Natal Regency, North Sumatra Province. Bentuk, Penempatan dan Makna Motif Ukiran Bagas Godang di Desa Huta Godang Kabupaten C. Data Collection Technique Madina Sumut (Shape, Placement and Meaning of Data were collected to obtain the information relevant to the objects being studied and to achieve 64

Miftahun Naufa et al., IAR J Human Cul Stud; Vol-1, Iss- 1 (Sep-Oct, 2020):62-68

the research objectives. The following were several 4. Library Research data collection techniques used in the present Library research was conducted to gather information study: on the meanings of Bagas Godang’s ornaments from the previous studies and to compare them with those in 1. Observation the present study. Observation is a way to collect data by making a direct observation in the research location. In this study, the D. Data Analysis Technique observation was carried out by visiting Huta Godang The data were then analyzed qualitatively to provide Village, a village that still preserves a Bagas Godang. and describe the facts of the objects being studied 2. Interviews without any manipulation or modification of the data. Interviews were also carried out to elicit verbal data on the meanings of Bolang Bagas Godang (the ornaments III. ESULTS AND ISCUSSION of Bagas Godang) in the village of Roburan Lombang R D and Huta Gulu Pungkut, Mandailing Natal. The The Mandailing culture is characterized by its interviewees were the customary chiefs whom the spoken language, written language, and customs. It is locals respected as elders and the descendants of the also characterized by a traditional house called Bagas kings of the village. Godang. Bagas Godang is a place where the kings of 3. Documentation huta (villages) live. Those recognized as the members Documentation was used as a technique to collect of Mandailing ethnic group are those whose blood evidence from the research location. The shapes of relations to the group, regardless of where they live. Bolang Bagas Godang as the evidence were One of Mandailing’s philosophies is “hombar do adat documented in the form of videos and photographs. dot ibadat”, which means that custom and worship are inseparable.

Figure 3. Bagas Godang of Mandailing Natal (Photo Credit: Anni Kholilah)

Bagas Godang has a large yard called Alaman heads of huta. Traditionally, Bagas Godang symbolizes Bolak or Alaman Silang Se Utang, which means that Bona Bulu, namely a huta which has already had a safety is assured to a debtor running from a debt complete set of traditions, such as Dalihan Natolu. The collector. When the person in debt runs to this place building’s shape is rectangular with a roof made of from threat, the conflict between the two must be palm fibers from Rumbia trees. It is built onto tall posts stopped immediately and resolved to achieve peace. with an empty bottom space and a staircase with an odd number of steps. Bagas Godang also functions as the residence of King Panusunan and King Pamusuk, namely the

65

Miftahun Naufa et al., IAR J Human Cul Stud; Vol-1, Iss- 1 (Sep-Oct, 2020):62-68

Figure 4. A staircase of Bagas Godang in Mandailing Natal (Photo Credit: Anni Kholilah) The triangle roof side cover above the front staircase is called Alo Angin (gust) or Tutup Ari, which represents bindu matogu as dalihan na tolu. Bagas Godang has plenty of ornaments with the following symbols, and each has a different meaning depending on its shape.

Figure 5. Bolang, the ornaments on Tutup Ari of Bagas Godang, in Mandailing Natal (Photo Credit: Anni Kholilah)

The meanings of the symbols are as follow: will know the best days or months to plant rice, 1. Sun hold a wedding ceremony, go to war, or do other Sun symbolizes a righteous and wise king. A king important activities. in the Mandailing culture is expected to be like the 3. Stars Sun that shines and gives life to all creatures on Stars, as objects that shine the Earth, carry a Earth. He has to provide guidance to his people and significance in the Mandailing culture. Based on lead them to the right way of life. star movement, an indigenous astronomer in the 2. Moon village can predict rainfall and when other natural Moon indicates the presence of an indigenous phenomena will happen. He/she then must inform astronomer who can predict nature based on lunar other people in the village for their own benefit. circulation. Based on his/her forecast, the locals

66

Miftahun Naufa et al., IAR J Human Cul Stud; Vol-1, Iss- 1 (Sep-Oct, 2020):62-68

4. Rudang (Flower) dangers because the cultural values are well- Rudang indicates that the village has already had preserved. the customary paraget, banners, and flags. 14. Bindu 5. Panji-Panji (Banners) Bindu signifies a strong social foundation based on Banners show that the locals have already had the dalihan na tolu. Bindu is also called pusuk ni knowledge of patik, uhum, ugari and hapantunon. robung.

6. Raga-raga (Bodies) 15. Bona Bulu (Independent Land) Raga-raga suggests that one clan and another are Bona Bulu indicates that the village has become an united like one body or one system. Their independent land since it has already had namora relationship is mutual, and helping each other is a natoras, suhut, bayo-bayo, datu, sibaso, ulu must. balang, and the King of the huta as the role model of the people. 7. Suncang duri Suncang duri signifies an obligation of villagers to 16. Hala and Centipede serve a traveler coming into the village. When the Hala and centipede symbolize poison, suggesting traveler came to Sopo Godang, he/she must be that the customary laws are highly strong and fair served with food at mealtimes and provided with to everyone.

packed food before he/she leaves the place to 17. Ulok (Snake) continue the journey. Ulok represents greatness and glory. 8. Jagar 18. Amporik (Bird) Jagar indicates that a huta has already had a Amporik symbolizes activities done by the locals complete set of village apparatus. It has been set in for a living, such as going to the paddy field in the the custom of mardalihan natolu and mar raja that morning to work and returning home in the huta madung narpasak marbalingkuhu. evening. 9. Sipatomu-tomu 19. Scale Sipatomu-tomu suggests that the kings of huta have The scale represents justice for the community to maintain holong dohot damu, namely love, itself. unity, and solidarity. 20. Loting 10. Podang (Sword) Loting also represents activities to earn a living. Podang indicates that the huta has been able to enforce laws. Authority in the huta is based on 21. Plates laws set by customary functionaries. Plates indicate an obligation of the locals to feed a

11. Takar (Coconut shell) traveler coming to Bagas Godang and provide him/her with packed food before he/she continues Takar symbolizes equal and indiscriminative the trip. justice. In Dalihan Na Tolu, justice is likened to the tip of a coconut shell with the same three eyes. 22. Burangir (Betel Leaf) Betel leaf indicates the locals’ obligation to ask for 12. Tanduk Ni Horbo (Buffalo Horn) King Namora Natoras’s opinions and obtain his Buffalo is a symbol of custom and kingdom in permission for anything related to the Mandailing culture. This animal is normally implementation of traditional ceremonies and slaughtered in a big horja (ritual/cultural rituals. ceremony). Buffalos to be slaughtered are usually those with the horns’ length equals to the length of 23. Bondul Naopatn the elbow-the-end part of the hand. A buffalo with Bondul Naopatn embodies provisions of a case. this characteristic is considered to be at an ideal age Any issue that arises in the village will be resolved and at its strongest state. When a buffalo is at Sopo Godang (traditional court hall) by namora slaughtered in a horja, everyone deserves to get a natoras, and the decision made must satisfy all fair portion of its meat, determined in Mandailing parties, including the litigants.

custom. Buffalo was chosen as a symbol of 24. Alaman bolak (The pay-off-debt yard) Mandailing culture because it represents Alaman bolak or alaman silangse utang embodies a responsibility, willingness to die for its calves, king’s authority. If a thief or a person under threat adaptability in all kinds of weather and places (both runs to alaman bolak for protection, the person will land or water), ability to work hard day and night, get the salvation here, and the other party who is in and its extraordinary strength. conflict with him/her must immediately stop the 13. Hands conflict. The person committed the crime, however, Hands embody peace. They indicate that the huta is will face a fair trial at the traditional court hall. a peaceful place, and its people are safe from

67

Miftahun Naufa et al., IAR J Human Cul Stud; Vol-1, Iss- 1 (Sep-Oct, 2020):62-68

25. Horis norms, rules, laws, and customary provisions that serve Horis represents prosperity, safety, and peace. This as a foundation and guidance for the people. There are means that a king and his people in the huta are three types of Bolang on Tutup Ari, namely plants, living in harmony and safe from any kind of animals, and daily life tools. danger. Ornaments on Sopo Godang and Bagas 26. Goncip Godang were made by weaving and carving. The Goncip symbolizes the duties of a king to maintain materials used were bamboo sheets that had been peace and enforce fair laws. woven in certain shapes, which were then attached to

27. Bintang natoras the cover. The ornaments’ colors are mostly red, black, and white, which have specific meanings in the Bintang natoras symbolizes the founder of the Mandailing culture. Red symbolizes strength, courage, huta, who simultaneously serves as the head of the and heroism; white symbolizes purity, honesty, and government and customary chief, supported by kindness; and black symbolizes occultation in an hulu balang, bayo nagodang, datu, and sibaso. animist belief, called Sipelebegu. The sense of shared 28. Lading/upak responsibility in dalihan na tolu naturally arises within Lading/upak signifies preparedness. It is a sharp the Mandailing people as a result of the sense of unity object that plays an important role in a number of they have. the locals’ daily activities. It can also be used as a The locals have high noble values and inner weapon for hunting in the forest. strength, and the values have been embedded in the 29. Gimbang society itself. They were passed from their ancestors Gimbang indicates the King’s social awareness and are appropriate for the life of an individual and the level, in which King’s possessions, such as a large community. The values have become customs that are paddy field or food supply, are the source of aid for preserved to achieve a harmonious life. those in need. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 30. Manuk nabontar (White Chicken) This paper is part of the research project Manuk Nabontar represents a severe punishment. supported by the Kementerian Riset dan In Mandailing culture, punishments apply to Teknologi/Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional anyone violating the customary laws. One example (RISTEKBRIN) (Ministry of Research and Technology of the violations is marrying a person from the / National Research and Innovation Agency) via Deputy same clan. The violator will have to slaughter a for Strengthening Research and Development Sector. buffalo, share its meat to the people in the village, Thanks to our college Institut Seni dan Budaya and set free a white chicken. The person will also Indonesia (ISBI) Aceh. We really thankful for a good be required to permanently leave the village and is cooperation, without the grant this paper would have strictly prohibited from keeping contact with other not possible to be published in the present form. group members because his/her status as a member

of the ethnic group has been completely removed. EFERENCES All of these are the meanings of the ornaments R 1. Harahap, Hamidy Basyral, (2004). Madina Madani. on the cover of Bagas Godang, implying that each 2. Kholilah Anni, Journal of Color, Vol 2, No 1, June ornament is chosen carefully because it carries a (2018). Form and Function of Sopo Godang Tapanuli specific meaning. A deliberative meeting involving all Selatan Mandailing Natal. elements of the community was held prior to choosing 3. Lubis Panguhan. Z, et al, Publisher Pustaka the ornaments to be displayed on Sopo Godang. Widiasarana. (2010). Collection of Freelance Notes

on Mandailing. IV. CONCLUSION 4. Nasution, P. (2015). Mandailing Culture in the Bagas Godang is a traditional Mandailing Challenges of the Age, North Sumatra: PORKALA. house with a distinctive construction. The building has 5. Siregar Fatimah, et al, Similar to Vol 1, No 1 (2012). a rectangle shape and is supported by large logs in an Form, Placement and Meaning of Bagas Godang odd number. It has several rooms, namely the front Carving Motifs in Huta Godang Village, Madina room, living room, bedroom, and kitchen. There are Regency, North Sumatra. traditional wooden ornaments (decorations) in various 6. Situmorang, Oloan, (1979). CV Angkasa Wira Usaha. shapes on Tutup Ari (cover) of Sopo Godang The Meaning of Symbols in the Ornamental Art of (Traditional Court Hall) and Bagas Godang (King’s Mandailing Traditional Houses. Residence). 7. Situmorang, Oloan. (1979). CV Angkasa Wira Usaha. Recognizing Traditional House Buildings and Those traditional Mandailing ornaments are Ornaments in the Mandailing Region and Their called Bolang, namely symbols carrying highly deep Relationship with Customary Mining. and significant meanings for the Mandailing people. OTHER SOURCES These ornaments contain values, ideas, concepts, https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagas_Godang

68