NEKARA, MOKO, DAN JATI DIRI ALOR
Main Article Content
Abstract
Moko is a unique type of objects that plays an important role in the socio-cultural life of Alor people. Interestingly, although mokos were not produced in Alor, they are being kept from generation to generation, not only as heirloom but also as a symbol of social status, dowry, currency, musical instrument, or instrument in rituals (in the events of death, house-building, harvest, marriage, etc.). In fact, moko used to have far more complex function in the past. Aside from being a substitute of the soul of people who was killed or died in accident, mokos were also functioned as religious-magic objects that can provide prosperity, success in families, destroy harvest if a traditional custom was violated, as well as a tool to traditionally-solved social problems. In short, mokos have played an important role in various aspects of life among the Alor people since hundreds or even thousands of years ago. The object, which was a substitute for kettledrum, is the identity of the Alor people. Therefore research, preservation, and actualization of its intrinsic and extrinsic values are very important to strengthen local identity in the attempt to develop national identity based on diversity.
Moko merupakan benda unik yang memegang peran penting dalam kehidupan sosial-budaya masyarakat Alor. Menariknya, walaupun benda ini tidak diproduksi di Alor, tetapi tetap dipertahankan secara turun-temurun, tidak sebatas benda pusaka tetapi juga sebagai lambang atau status sosial, mas kawin (belis), alat tukar, alat musik, alat-alat upacara dalam kematian, pendirian rumah, pesta panen, perkawinan, dll. Bahkan konon dahulu, moko memiliki fungsi yang jauh lebih kompleks. Selain sebagai pengganti nyawa manusia yang dibunuh atau karena kecelakaan, moko berfungsi sebagai benda religius-magis yang dapat memberi kemakmuran, keberhasilan bagi keluarga, merusak panen bagi yang melanggar ketentuan adat, termasuk sebagai alat untuk menyelesaikan masalah sosial secara adat. Singkatnya moko telah menempati peran yang sangat penting dalam berbagai kisi kehidupan masyarakat Alor sejak ratusan, bahkan ribuan tahun yang lalu. Benda yang merupakan substitusi nekara ini menjadi jati diri Masyarakat Alor. Oleh sebab itu penggalian, pelestarian, dan aktualisasi nilai-nilai intrinsik dan ekstrinsiknya menjadi sangat penting bagi penguatan jati diri lokal dalam pengembangan jati diri kebangsaan yang berlandaskan kebhinnekaan.
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