Mato-Mato : Jejak Tradisi dan Budaya Orang Simeulue

Abstract

Mato-mato is a form of cultural heritage of the Simeulue community that functions not only as a traditional decorative art but also represents the knowledge, values, identity, and social life of the community that sustains it. Historically, this tradition has been incorporated into various customary artifacts, particularly ceremonial screens, bridal platforms, and ritual equipment, and has been transmitted across generations through practice and lived experience. This study aims to examine the historical traces, forms, functions, values, meanings, processes of transmission, and transformations of mato-mato in the lives of the Simeulue community. The study employed a qualitative method with an ethnographic approach through field research in Simeulue Regency. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, informal conversations, documentation, and an examination of written sources. Informants were selected purposively and further identified through snowball sampling, involving artisans, customary leaders, cultural practitioners, users, and community members with knowledge of mato-mato. The findings demonstrate that mato-mato embodies values of leadership, solidarity, mutual cooperation, prudence, courtesy, patience, and meticulousness. Its production process also serves as a medium for cultural learning and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge. Over time, mato-mato has undergone transformations in its materials, techniques, forms, functions, and spaces of use, evolving from customary ceremonial equipment into clothing, bags, accessories, sashes, and other creative-economy products. These transformations demonstrate the adaptability of mato-mato to changing times and social contexts. Nevertheless, its sustainability faces several challenges, including the regeneration of artisans, declining understanding among younger generations of the meanings embedded in the motifs, and increasing commercialization. Therefore, efforts to preserve mato-mato should emphasize the sustainability of knowledge, skills, values, meanings, and the community's sense of cultural ownership, rather than merely maintaining its physical form.