Mappacci Ritual Objects and Symbolism in Sarawak’s Bugis Wedding Tradition

Abstract

The Bugis tribe in Sarawak practices mappabotting, a marriage ritual that holds considerable importance within their cultural framework. Nevertheless, certain individuals within the Bugis community have ceased their involvement in these rituals because of the transition towards Sarawak Malay culture. This study analyses the various objects utilised in the mappacci wedding ceremony, such as pillows, sarongs, banana leaves, jackfruit leaves, candles, henna leaves, metal, rice, water, coconut oil, betel leaves, and cigarettes. The research employs a qualitative approach, incorporating direct interviews with informed Bugis participants and observations of the ceremony. This approach incorporates secondary sources to collect pertinent information related to Carl G. Jung's theory, especially in relation to archetypes and symbolic objects. Academicians, researchers, curators, and museum departments can leverage this research to gain deeper insights into the mappacci ritual objects and the symbolism inherent in Bugis wedding traditions in Sarawak.