SYMBOLIC MEANINGS OF THE DOLOB CUSTOMARY MANTRA: A LITERARY ANTHROPOLOGY STUDY OF THE DAYAK TENGGALAN COMMUNITY

Abstract

Dolob traditional mantra is part of the sacred oral literature of the Dayak Tenggalan community, functioning both as a spiritual medium and as an instrument of customary law in conflict resolution. This study aims to describe the symbolic meanings of the Dolob mantra from the perspective of literary anthropology and to reveal the local wisdom values embedded within it. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach with an ethnographic method, including in-depth interviews with customary leaders, participant observation, as well as documentation and transcription of the mantra texts. Data analysis was conducted using thematic techniques and hermeneutic interpretation. The results show that the Dolob mantra contains cosmological symbols representing the relationship between humans, ancestors, nature, and transcendent forces. These symbolic meanings reflect religious values, morality, justice, social balance, and obedience to customary law. The mantra functions not only as a ritual medium but also as a vehicle for transmitting values, shaping cultural identity, and fostering character education within the Dayak Tenggalan community. Thus, the Dolob mantra can be understood as a cultural text that integrates the dimensions of literature, religion, law, and education into a unified system of meaning.