The Concept of Zonation of Sapangka and Luak-lareh in the Performance of Ulu Ambek in Pariaman Minangkabau

Abstract

The concept of sapangka and luak-lareh refers to the grouping of contestants and the division of territory in the performance of ulu ambek. The sapangka is the host organizing the performance, and consists of several ulu ambek communities from a number of different nagari (villages). The ulu ambek communities of the sapangka are joined by the social, cultural, and regional bonds of a lareh. Lareh is the name given to a traditional government area controlled by ninik mamak (traditional elders), based on the territorial division that underlies the zonation in an ulu ambek performance. Luak-lareh refers to the ulu ambek contestants who come from lareh outside the lareh sapangka (host zonation). The goal of this research is to describe, discuss, and analyze the division and work method of ulu ambek performance in the zonation system of sapangka and luak-lareh. The research results show that the zonation of sapangka and luak-lareh has been established over a long period of time, based on social, cultural and emotional bonds between nagari, so that the performance of ulu ambek is well arranged in a system that has been preserved until the present day.

Keywords: sapangka, lareh, luak-lareh, zonation, and ulu ambek.

DOI: 10.7176/ADS/94-04

Publication date:July 31^st 2021