Inter-Cultural Communication in The Tattoo Tradition as a Means of Passing on Values Within Mentawai Sikerei Families

Elva Ronaning Roem; Sarmiati Sarmiati; Winda Vanisya; Afriadi Afriadi; Viori Wahidpa Maulina; Rina Wahyuni; Resti Wulandari; Nida Fadlilah

Inter-Cultural Communication in The Tattoo Tradition as a Means of Passing on Values Within Mentawai Sikerei Families

Authors

Elva Ronaning Roem Universitas Andalas
Sarmiati Sarmiati Universitas Andalas
Winda Vanisya Universitas Sriwijaya
Afriadi Afriadi Magister Ilmu Komunikasi, FISIP, Universitas Andalas
Viori Wahidpa Maulina
Rina Wahyuni Magister Ilmu Komunikasi, FISIP, Universitas Andalas
Resti Wulandari Magister Ilmu Komunikasi, FISIP, Universitas Andalas
Nida Fadlilah Magister Ilmu Komunikasi, FISIP, Universitas Andalas

Keywords:

Inter-cultural communications, Traditional tattoo, Sikerei, Mentawai families

Abstract

The phenomenon of declining public understanding, including among some Mentawai people, regarding the meaning of traditional tattoos has emerged alongside the influx of modern values, tourism, and external perspectives that often position tattoos merely as aesthetic elements or lifestyle choices. This condition has the potential to shift the original symbolic meanings of traditional tattoos. For the Sikerei family, tattoos hold deep significance as a symbolic language representing spiritual identity, social roles, relationships with nature, and legitimacy within the Mentawai belief system. This study aims to describe the process of intercultural communication that occurs through tattooing practices within the Sikerei family, particularly in the transmission of values, symbol interpretation, and efforts to maintain cultural identity amid the influence of modern culture. The research employs a qualitative descriptive approach, using in-depth interviews, participant observation, and visual documentation. The informants consist of three members of the Sikerei nuclear family: a senior Sikerei, an active Sikerei, and his wife. The findings indicate that tattoos function as a medium of nonverbal communication that conveys cosmological values, ritual status, and communal identity. In an intercultural context, tattoo meanings are negotiated through dialogical and culturally sensitive communication.

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Author Biography

Viori Wahidpa Maulina

The phenomenon of declining public understanding, including among some Mentawai people, regarding the meaning of traditional tattoos has emerged alongside the influx of modern values, tourism, and external perspectives that often position tattoos merely as aesthetic elements or lifestyle choices. This condition has the potential to shift the original symbolic meanings of traditional tattoos. For the Sikerei family, tattoos hold deep significance as a symbolic language representing spiritual identity, social roles, relationships with nature, and legitimacy within the Mentawai belief system. This study aims to describe the process of intercultural communication that occurs through tattooing practices within the Sikerei family, particularly in the transmission of values, symbol interpretation, and efforts to maintain cultural identity amid the influence of modern culture. The research employs a qualitative descriptive approach, using in-depth interviews, participant observation, and visual documentation. The informants consist of three members of the Sikerei nuclear family: a senior Sikerei, an active Sikerei, and his wife. The findings indicate that tattoos function as a medium of nonverbal communication that conveys cosmological values, ritual status, and communal identity. In an intercultural context, tattoo meanings are negotiated through dialogical and culturally sensitive communication.

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Inter-Cultural Communication in The Tattoo Tradition as a Means of Passing on Values Within Mentawai Sikerei Families