Cultural Imagery of Tolaki Mekongga Community of Kolaka in Mowindahako Ritual

Abstract

This paper aims to discover and describe cultural imagery in mowindahako ritual utterances (custom settlement) in the Tolaki Mekongga community of Southeast Sulawesi. The approach used in this study was a qualitative approach, where the data and data sources were in the form of oral data spoken by traditional interpreters/traditional figures in traditional processions. The techniques used were observation, recording, notes, interviews and documentation techniques. Meanwhile, the theory used was the Cultural Linguistics theory. This theory examines the comparative relationship between language structure and societal culture. The results of this study indicated that in mowindahako ritual, various cultural imageries were found, namely: (1) imageries of beauty, (2) imageries of unity and togetherness, (3) imageries of respect/politeness, (4) imageries of deliberation, and (5) imageries of loyalty and obedience.