A Description of Hombo Batu in Nias Ethnic

Abstract

This paper describes the procedures as well as the cultural meaning in the Hombo Batu tradition and aims to determine the steps and cultural meanings of the Hombo Batu tradition. Hombo Batu or stone jumping is a tradition in the Nias tribe that is very unique and has very high cultural value. In ancient times, this tradition was an obligatory tradition in the Nias tribe and was carried out to physically train Nias tribal men and soldiers in preparation for inter-tribal war. The young man who managed to jump over the stone structure with a height of 2 meters was considered to have courage, agility and the young man became a soldier to defend his village. The method used in compiling this paper is descriptive qualitative method with data collection techniques through reading, watching, and understanding books, journals, websites and You Tube related to the hombo batu tradition. The results of this study indicate that the procedures for this implementation include determining the time and place of implementation, the Faluaya war dance, hombo batu and salvation ceremonies as well as describing the cultural meanings contained in the hombo batu tradition, namely, hard work, responsibility, and cooperation. Where the hombo batu tradition shows that by jumping stones the men of the Nias tribe are considered able to overcome life's obstacles.