BERTAMASYA KE NEGERI SANSANA DALAM TEK MANALATAI LEWUN SANSANA DAYAK NGAJU

Abstract

This study employs a field study with a qualitative approach through observation and documentation analysis. The research subject refers to the text Manalatai Lewun Sansana: A Journey to the Land of Sansana by the Dayak Ngaju cultural figure M. P. Lambut, a professor at Universitas Lambung Mangkurat. The text is analyzed as the primary source to reveal the meanings, symbols, and cosmological worldview of the Dayak Ngaju community as represented in the oral literary tradition of sansana. Research data were obtained through observations of the supporting cultural context and the examination of documents in the form of literary texts, cultural literature, and other relevant written sources. The findings indicate that Manalatai Lewun Sansana contains a cosmogonic narrative concerning the origins of various plants such as ironwood (kayu ulin), coconut, areca nut, rattan, betel leaf, lime, gambier, katune, siren, and bamboo, which are believed to be manifestations of deceased humans. The transformation of human body parts into elements of nature such as hair becoming rattan, the head becoming a coconut, the eyes becoming areca nuts, and blood turning into water reflects the Dayak Ngaju worldview regarding the interconnectedness between humans and the universe. This narrative also portrays the concept of death in Dayak Ngaju belief, namely Buli Lewu Tatau Dia Rumpung Tulang, Rundung Raja Isen Kamalasu Uhat, which is understood as a prosperous and blissful heavenly realm.