The tolögu, a traditional Nias sword, has long been revered as a symbol of nobility and the identity of warrior tribes in southern Nias Island, Indonesia. Renowned for its elegance and strength, the tolögu embodies a delicate balance of craftsmanship and creativity, requiring technical mastery and artistic ingenuity.
However, the legacy of tolögu-making has been significantly impacted by colonial activities, missionary collections, and the trade of cultural objects. Many of these swords now reside in museums worldwide, severing them from their communities of origin and contributing to the decline of this craft and related craftsmanship in South Nias.
This project seeks to document and digitally preserve the endangered knowledge and craftsmanship of tolögu making in Bawömataluo Village, South Nias. The project will capture the design processes, making processes, and social dynamics surrounding this craft through comprehensive audio-visual documentation. The focus will be on documenting the complete production cycle of the tolögu, from the initial stages to the creation of a finished sword, also including its final utilization during the sword dance performed in the same village.
PI: Ahmad Ginanjar Purnawibawa
Collaborators: Jessica Rossi and Virdolin Manaö
Location of Research: Bawömataluo village, South Nias
Host Institution: Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha
Top banner image: View of Bawömataluo Village. Photo credit: Ahmad Ginanjar Purnawibawa, 2024.