Ethnographic Study On The Minang Aek Tradition Of The Tambelan Community, Riau Archipelago

¹ Faculty Of Teacher Training and Education, Raja Ali Haji Maritime University, Tanjungpinang 29411, Indonesia
² Faculty Of Islamic Studies,Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia, UKM Bangi 43600, Malaysia

^* Corresponding Author: zaitun@umrah.ac.id

Abstract

His study aims to describe and ethnographically examine the ritual aspects, cultural meanings, and social functions of the Minang Aek tradition practiced by the Tambelan community. The research employs an ethnographic approach, with data collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews with traditional leaders, community figures, and ritual participants, video documentation, and literature review. The findings reveal that the Minang Aek tradition is performed during celebrations such as weddings or circumcision ceremonies. In this study, the Minang Aek tradition was observed during a circumcision event, with the following procession: a household performing a circumcision for a family member, and on the second day of the event, several community members, including the family hosting the celebration, carried water jugs. A middle-aged man dressed as a woman and wearing a shawl, a boat helmsman, and a drummer were also present. The tradition involves using a decorated boat adorned with small red and white flags attached to poles and a batik cloth tied at the rear of the boat as they visit seven water sources. The water collected is then blessed by an imam or traditional leader and used to bathe the circumcised child. The event concludes with prayers and a communal meal.