Dari Tanaman Ke Karya: Kajian Etnobotani Bahan Anyaman Dan Tenun Pada Budaya Batak Toba

Abstract

This study aims to examine the cultural meanings, production processes, and preservation efforts of two traditional Batak artifacts, namely tandok and ulos, using a descriptive qualitative method with a literature review approach. Data were collected from various relevant journals and articles on Batak culture. The results indicate that tandok serves not only as a container for harvests but also as a symbol of prosperity and the close relationship between Batak women and nature. Meanwhile, ulos is a sacred woven cloth that represents love, blessings, and solidarity in various traditional ceremonies. The production processes of both objects involve natural materials and techniques passed down through generations, carrying profound symbolic values. However, modernization poses challenges such as shifts in materials and production techniques, which risk diminishing their cultural significance. Nevertheless, communities, the government, and various cultural institutions have undertaken preservation and revitalization efforts, including cultural education and the development of creative products. This study highlights the importance of safeguarding Batak cultural heritage in ways that are adaptive while still honoring traditional values.