Bancah and Sago: Local Knowledge, Cultural Adaptation, and Its Challenges
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21512/humaniora.v16i1.12627Keywords:
Bancah, Sago, Ethnoscience, cultural values, collective memoryAbstract
This paper explains the concept of bancah, which translates to "swamps," as a source of ecological wisdom and an integral part of Minangkabau local knowledge. In Minangkabau society, bancah have traditionally been vital to the community's social and cultural life. While many people today view bancah as unproductive, their ecological and cultural significance is deeply rooted in Minangkabau identity. This study employs an ethnoscience approach, complemented by methods such as interviews, field observations, and literature reviews, to explore local memories and knowledge about bancah in the Minangkabau community, particularly in the Kuranji and Nanggalo districts of Padang. The analysis focuses on how the community understands bancah and its meanings in relation to ecology and culture. The findings show that bancah traditionally teach respect for nature and act as informal educational resources that promote sustainable practices. However, changes in land use and modern economic needs have led younger people to see bancah mainly as sources of income, ignoring their ecological and cultural importance. This shift poses a threat to the preservation of traditional knowledge and disrupts the ecological connections that are vital to Minangkabau cultural identity. The transformation of bancah reflects a larger shift in collective memory and cultural values, indicating the weakening bond between the Minangkabau community and its wetland heritage due to urban development. Preserving bancah as an ecological and cultural resource is essential for maintaining local food security, ensuring environmental stability, and keeping the connection of the Minangkabau people with their cultural heritage alive.
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