Federation to Maspul Ethnicity: A Constructionist and Historical Explanation

Abstract

Objective: This research aims to explain the history of the formation of Maspul ethnicity, to describe the characteristics of cultural diversity, and to explain the dynamics and reproduction of its contemporary cultural uniqueness. Theoritical framework: Through the application of the perspectives of constructionism, historical particularism and specific ethnic historical studies. Method: With reference to the research objectives, this study uses a qualitative ethnography method to collect present and past socio-cultural data which is the root and basis for the development of Maspul ethnicity's life. Result: The research founds at least three findings. First, the contemporary Maspul ethnicity and the three sub-ethnicities of Enrekang, Duri, and Maiwa are the transformations of the Maspul Federation and the kingdoms in the mountain. Second, the diversity of the contemporary Maspul culture which is distributed in the three Maspul sub-ethnicities originates the old cultural diversity that characterizes the Maspul Federation which was an ethnic unity at that time. The old cultural elements that still survive from each ethnic group are language (in terms and dialects), traditional institutions, traditional ceremonies, art, games, traditional food, local knowledge, folklore, and mythology. Thrid, Since the last few decades most of Maspul's cultural elements have changed although several others being preserved with attractive new forms of packaging. Conclusion: the Maspul Federation which transformed into Enrekang Regency is not only seen as a phenomenon of political history, but it is also a historical phenomenon of ethnic and cultural history.