Descriptive Music Studies In The Context Of The Traditional Ceremony Of The Batak Toba Community In Purba Tua Village, Kolang Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli District
Introduction
The traditional ceremony of the Batak Toba community in Purba Tua Village, Kolang Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli District, is a significant event that holds deep meaning and rich cultural value. The Saurmatatua ceremony, which is the focus of this study, is a sacred moment that not only respects those who have died but also strengthens social ties between family and community. This article aims to examine the music in the context of the Saurmatatua traditional ceremony and its role in forming cultural identity and strengthening social ties in the Toba Batak community.
Background of the Saurmatatua Ceremony
The term "Saurtua" comes from two words, namely "saur" which means perfect and "muata" which means old age. Thus, Saurtua refers to someone who dies in old age or in a perfect condition. This ceremony is considered important for the Toba Batak community, where the term Saurtua is given to individuals who have fulfilled several conditions, such as all boys and girls are married and have children, and have paid off existing customary debts. The Saurtua ceremony is known by the name Ulaon Nagok, which means the event which was held with full custom.
Music in the Saurmatatua Ceremony
Music plays a significant role in the Saurmatatua ceremony, where it functions as an accompanist in its implementation. The type of music used in this ceremony is Gondang Sabangunan, a traditional musical instrument that was very closely related to the Batak culture. However, in the 1970s, there was a shift in the use of musical instruments due to the frequent sumorop (possessed), which made Gondang Sabangunan less functioning as before. As a result, the role of Gondang Sabangunan was replaced by a more modern band music group. Interestingly, in 1995, keyboard music appeared and began to be combined with traditional Toba Batak musical instruments such as Taganing and Sulim. This combination is known as Batak Gondang, which still exists today.
The Role of Music in the Saurmatatua Ceremony
Music in the Saurmatatua ceremony is not only an entertainer but also as a medium to convey emotions, prayers, and hope for spirits that have passed away. The presence of music in this ceremony creates a solemn atmosphere and supports the course of the procession with more meaningful. The slaughtered animals in the ceremony have special meaning, where the type of animal chosen is Sigagat Duhut (Buffalo). This animal is seen as a symbol of prosperity and blessing.
Methodology
The research method used in this study is field research (field research), which was carried out in the Purba Tua Village. The author conducts interviews with Hasuhutan (traditional singers), music players, and traditional elders to get accurate and in-depth information. To complete the data, the author also conducts a library research by collecting books and references related to the Saurtatua traditional ceremony.
Conclusion
This study examines the music in the context of the Saurmatatua traditional ceremony held by the Batak Toba community in Purba Tua Village, Kolang District, Central Tapanuli Regency. The results of this study show that music plays a significant role in forming cultural identity and strengthening social ties in the Toba Batak community. The transformation of music in the Saurmatatua ceremony reflects the dynamics of culture in the Toba Batak community, where traditions and modernity interact with each other.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the Batak Toba community continues to preserve and develop their traditional music, such as Gondang Sabangunan and Batak Gondang. This can be done by promoting the use of traditional musical instruments and encouraging the younger generation to learn and play these instruments. Additionally, the community can also explore new ways to combine traditional music with modern music, such as incorporating electronic elements into traditional instruments.
Limitations of the Study
This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study only focuses on the Saurmatatua ceremony and does not examine other traditional ceremonies in the Batak Toba community. Secondly, the study only collects data from the Purba Tua Village and does not generalize the findings to other areas of the Toba Batak community. Finally, the study only examines the role of music in the Saurmatatua ceremony and does not explore other aspects of the ceremony, such as the role of dance or the significance of the slaughtered animals.
Future Research Directions
Future research can build on the findings of this study by examining other traditional ceremonies in the Batak Toba community. Additionally, research can also explore the role of music in other cultural contexts, such as in other traditional ceremonies or in modern cultural events. Furthermore, research can also examine the impact of modernization on traditional music and culture, and how the Batak Toba community can balance tradition and modernity in their cultural practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study examines the music in the context of the Saurmatatua traditional ceremony held by the Batak Toba community in Purba Tua Village, Kolang District, Central Tapanuli Regency. The results of this study show that music plays a significant role in forming cultural identity and strengthening social ties in the Toba Batak community. The transformation of music in the Saurmatatua ceremony reflects the dynamics of culture in the Toba Batak community, where traditions and modernity interact with each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Saurmatatua ceremony?
A: The Saurmatatua ceremony is a traditional ceremony held by the Batak Toba community in Purba Tua Village, Kolang District, Central Tapanuli Regency. It is a sacred moment that not only respects those who have died but also strengthens social ties between family and community.
Q: What is the significance of music in the Saurmatatua ceremony?
A: Music plays a significant role in the Saurmatatua ceremony, where it functions as an accompanist in its implementation. The type of music used in this ceremony is Gondang Sabangunan, a traditional musical instrument that was very closely related to the Batak culture.
Q: What is the difference between Gondang Sabangunan and Batak Gondang?
A: Gondang Sabangunan is a traditional musical instrument that was very closely related to the Batak culture. Batak Gondang, on the other hand, is a combination of traditional Toba Batak musical instruments such as Taganing and Sulim with modern music elements, such as keyboard music.
Q: Why was Gondang Sabangunan replaced by a more modern band music group?
A: Gondang Sabangunan was replaced by a more modern band music group due to the frequent sumorop (possessed), which made Gondang Sabangunan less functioning as before.
Q: What is the significance of the slaughtered animals in the Saurmatatua ceremony?
A: The slaughtered animals in the ceremony have special meaning, where the type of animal chosen is Sigagat Duhut (Buffalo). This animal is seen as a symbol of prosperity and blessing.
Q: How does music contribute to the cultural identity of the Toba Batak community?
A: Music plays a significant role in forming cultural identity and strengthening social ties in the Toba Batak community. The transformation of music in the Saurmatatua ceremony reflects the dynamics of culture in the Toba Batak community, where traditions and modernity interact with each other.
Q: What are the limitations of this study?
A: This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study only focuses on the Saurmatatua ceremony and does not examine other traditional ceremonies in the Batak Toba community. Secondly, the study only collects data from the Purba Tua Village and does not generalize the findings to other areas of the Toba Batak community. Finally, the study only examines the role of music in the Saurmatatua ceremony and does not explore other aspects of the ceremony, such as the role of dance or the significance of the slaughtered animals.
Q: What are the recommendations for future research?
A: Future research can build on the findings of this study by examining other traditional ceremonies in the Batak Toba community. Additionally, research can also explore the role of music in other cultural contexts, such as in other traditional ceremonies or in modern cultural events. Furthermore, research can also examine the impact of modernization on traditional music and culture, and how the Batak Toba community can balance tradition and modernity in their cultural practices.
Q: What is the significance of this study?
A: This study examines the music in the context of the Saurmatatua traditional ceremony held by the Batak Toba community in Purba Tua Village, Kolang District, Central Tapanuli Regency. The results of this study show that music plays a significant role in forming cultural identity and strengthening social ties in the Toba Batak community. The transformation of music in the Saurmatatua ceremony reflects the dynamics of culture in the Toba Batak community, where traditions and modernity interact with each other.
Q: What are the implications of this study for the Batak Toba community?
A: This study has implications for the Batak Toba community in terms of preserving and developing their traditional music, such as Gondang Sabangunan and Batak Gondang. The community can also explore new ways to combine traditional music with modern music, such as incorporating electronic elements into traditional instruments.
Q: What are the implications of this study for cultural preservation and development?
A: This study has implications for cultural preservation and development in terms of the importance of preserving traditional music and cultural practices. The study highlights the need for cultural preservation and development efforts to be sensitive to the cultural context and to involve the community in the decision-making process.
Q: What are the implications of this study for education and research?
A: This study has implications for education and research in terms of the importance of studying traditional music and cultural practices. The study highlights the need for education and research to be culturally sensitive and to involve the community in the decision-making process.
Q: What are the implications of this study for policy and practice?
A: This study has implications for policy and practice in terms of the importance of preserving traditional music and cultural practices. The study highlights the need for policy and practice to be culturally sensitive and to involve the community in the decision-making process.