Socio-Cultural Analysis on Death Rites: Case Study of Ritual Death of Kempo People, West Manggarai, Flores-Indonesia

Abstract

All humans are bound to die. However, death is not the last phase of human life. Death is a transition. Every transition is marked by certain rituals. Almost all cultures practice death rituals. This research specifically aims to describe death rituals according to the tradition of Orang Kempo in West Manggarai.  The method used is qualitative with instruments of observation, in-depth interviews, and Focused-Group Discussion (FGD). Based on socio-cultural analysis, the results of this study show that first, death is a separation event. The separation causes sadness. There is a feeling of loss. However, socially, the separation creates social shocks both in the family environment, and the village. This is because one of the social functions played by the deceased while still alive cannot work. The death rite in this context plays several roles.  Firstly, it honours the deceased.  Second, comforting the people left behind by the deceased, Third, social reconsolidation both in the family environment, as well as at the village level so that the social functions left by the deceased continue to run. Thus, social order in the family and village is maintained.