Changes in the Presentation of Tortor

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 77 views

Introduction

The Toba Batak community in Medan City has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional dances playing a significant role in their social and cultural practices. Tortor, a traditional dance, is an integral part of the Toba Batak community's cultural identity, and its presentation is a crucial aspect of their marriage ceremonies. This dance not only serves as a medium for expressing feelings but also has an important role in various traditional events. In this context, the presentation of tortor in Toba Batak marriage requires binding rules based on the customary system that has been agreed upon by the community. However, over time, the presentation of tortor has experienced various changes involving many aspects. This study aims to understand these changes and continuity that still exists in this cultural practice.

Theoretical Background

According to the theory of continuity and change put forward by Herskovitz, changes can be seen from two points of view: how happened in the past and present. In this study, changes in the presentation of tortor can be understood through two factors: innovations originating from the internal factors of the Toba Batak community and acculturation of external factors that affect them. The theory of continuity and change is essential in understanding the dynamics of cultural practices and how they adapt to changing social and cultural contexts.

Methodology

This study uses an analytical descriptive approach, which means that analysis is carried out by describing facts systematically and objectively. Data was collected through library sources, manuscripts, videos, photos, and oral interviews with relevant speakers. The analytical descriptive approach is suitable for this study as it allows for a detailed and systematic analysis of the data collected.

Results

The results showed that the presentation of tortor still maintains its continuity, both in the context of ceremonies, entertainment, and performances. Tortors remain an integral part of the lives of the Batak community, especially in the wedding ceremony, where tortors are displayed when the surrender of Ulos Hela and Ulos Sinamot, usually in the position of Dalihan Na Tolu. As time changes, the presentation of tortor is modified, where he is now also used in the initial procession of the event to welcome parents and families, and involve professional dancers in their performances.

Changes in the Presentation of Tortor

The changes seen in the presentation of tortor began in the early 1980s and could be divided into three periods. Various aspects that show changes include the form of motion, floor patterns, perpetrators, places, arrangement of events, costumes, music, and tortor function itself. In terms of function, this research identifies several aspects: the continuity of culture, economy, communication, entertainment, and aesthetics. All of these factors provide a clear picture of how Batak Toba people adapt to the social and cultural changes that occur.

Influence of Internal and External Dynamics

On the other hand, this change process is also influenced by the internal and external dynamics of the Toba Batak community. In other words, changes in the presentation of tortor are inseparable from the influence of existing traditions and the times. This research provides an important insight into how the community can maintain cultural values while still adapting to the changing social context.

Conclusion

Through this research, it is hoped that the Batak Toba and the general public will further understand the importance of tortor as part of cultural heritage that must be preserved. In addition, awareness of the importance of rules in the presentation of tortor is also expected to maintain the authenticity of tradition while facing the challenges of existing change. Tortors, in various forms, remain a symbol of the identity and pride of the Toba Batak community in Medan City.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The Toba Batak community should continue to preserve and promote their cultural heritage, including the presentation of tortor.
The community should also be aware of the importance of rules in the presentation of tortor to maintain the authenticity of tradition.
The community should adapt to changing social and cultural contexts while maintaining their cultural values.
The general public should be aware of the importance of cultural heritage and the need to preserve it.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The study only focuses on the presentation of tortor in the Toba Batak community in Medan City.
The study only collects data through library sources, manuscripts, videos, photos, and oral interviews with relevant speakers.
The study does not consider other factors that may influence the presentation of tortor.

Future Research Directions

Future research should consider the following directions:

Conducting a study on the presentation of tortor in other Toba Batak communities.
Collecting data through other methods, such as surveys and observations.
Considering other factors that may influence the presentation of tortor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides an important insight into the changes and continuity in the presentation of tortor in the Toba Batak community in Medan City. The study highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage and adapting to changing social and cultural contexts. The recommendations made in this study are expected to contribute to the preservation and promotion of the Toba Batak community's cultural heritage.

Q: What is tortor, and what is its significance in the Toba Batak community?

A: Tortor is a traditional dance that has a deep meaning for the Toba Batak community. It is not only a medium for expressing feelings but also has an important role in various traditional events, especially marriage ceremonies. The presentation of tortor in Toba Batak marriage requires binding rules based on the customary system that has been agreed upon by the community.

Q: What are the changes that have occurred in the presentation of tortor over time?

A: The changes seen in the presentation of tortor began in the early 1980s and could be divided into three periods. Various aspects that show changes include the form of motion, floor patterns, perpetrators, places, arrangement of events, costumes, music, and tortor function itself. In terms of function, this research identifies several aspects: the continuity of culture, economy, communication, entertainment, and aesthetics.

Q: What are the factors that influence the changes in the presentation of tortor?

A: The changes in the presentation of tortor are influenced by the internal and external dynamics of the Toba Batak community. In other words, changes in the presentation of tortor are inseparable from the influence of existing traditions and the times. This research provides an important insight into how the community can maintain cultural values while still adapting to the changing social context.

Q: What is the significance of tortor in the Toba Batak community's cultural identity?

A: Tortors, in various forms, remain a symbol of the identity and pride of the Toba Batak community in Medan City. The presentation of tortor is a crucial aspect of their marriage ceremonies, and it continues to maintain its continuity, both in the context of ceremonies, entertainment, and performances.

Q: What are the recommendations for the Toba Batak community and the general public to preserve and promote their cultural heritage?

A: The Toba Batak community should continue to preserve and promote their cultural heritage, including the presentation of tortor. The community should also be aware of the importance of rules in the presentation of tortor to maintain the authenticity of tradition. The community should adapt to changing social and cultural contexts while maintaining their cultural values. The general public should be aware of the importance of cultural heritage and the need to preserve it.

Q: What are the limitations of this study, and what are the future research directions?

A: This study has several limitations, including the study only focuses on the presentation of tortor in the Toba Batak community in Medan City, and the study only collects data through library sources, manuscripts, videos, photos, and oral interviews with relevant speakers. Future research should consider conducting a study on the presentation of tortor in other Toba Batak communities, collecting data through other methods, such as surveys and observations, and considering other factors that may influence the presentation of tortor.

Q: What is the significance of this study in understanding the cultural practices of the Toba Batak community?

A: This study provides an important insight into the changes and continuity in the presentation of tortor in the Toba Batak community in Medan City. The study highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage and adapting to changing social and cultural contexts. The recommendations made in this study are expected to contribute to the preservation and promotion of the Toba Batak community's cultural heritage.