Marapu: Konstruksi Identitas Budaya Orang Sumba, NTT

Abstract

This article examines how the people of Sumba construct their identity associated with their religiosity in the face of discriminatory processed around them. The Sumbanese with their Marapu religion are discriminated againts because of the identity attached to it, but due to their negative image. Discriminatory categories with all the attributes and roles attached to ithemare not natural constructs, but a history and representation. The identity of the Sumbanese is the result of the interaction between the forces from the outside and the practices of their daily life. Marapu is a religion that serve as is the identity of the Sumbanese, and becomes the basis of guidelines or values that organize their lives. Even for the people who do not following the Marapu religion. For them the Marapu is limited to the customs of ancestors only, and not as a faith they profess. For some of the Sumbanese, switching religion are a compromise, which is one form of cultural protection strategy that can reduce fear and aggression that arise between the individuals and society. The nature of this compromise culture is activated through the traditional institutions that always put through deliberation and uphold the concepts of togetherness and solidarity. Key words: Marapu, construction, identity, discrimination

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