Traditional Arts as Pillars of Agrarian Culture in Ethnic Communities in South Sulawesi

Abstract

This research aims to examine the traditional arts that support the agrarian culture in South Sulawesi. The rice plants for the people of South Sulawesi is a major commodity, it is an integral part that supports the economic cycle, rituals, and community ceremonies. Examination of the evidence using ethnographic methods presented through a qualitative approach resulted in a comprehensive explanation of the components supporting agrarian culture, such as the mappalili, maddoja bine, and harvest thanksgiving ceremonies including appadekko, mappadendang, mabbalendo, maddoa, sere api and gelong pare. The principal thing that embodies the entity of agricultural culture is a constellation of traditional cultural art practices that are communal in South Sulawesi society as a supporter of agrarian culture. The arts that support this agrarian culture are important to preserve amidst the challenges of a futuristic world so that the integrity of tradition remains an integral cultural entity of Indonesian civilization.

Keywords: Ethnographic; Traditional arts; Agrarian culture; South Sulawesi