Pagellu as Cultural Praxis: Embodied Social Values in Torajan Traditional Dance

Abstract

Traditional dance serves as a vital manifestation of cultural identity and the transmission of values in numerous indigenous cultures. In Toraja, South Sulawesi, Pagellu plays a pivotal role in ceremonial life, representing spiritual devotion, communal cohesion, and ancestor veneration. Although previous studies have recorded its aesthetic and ritual components, there is limited understanding of how Pagellu operates as a cultural practice that actively incorporates and conveys social ideals. This study, conducted through ethnographic research, demonstrates that Pagellu functions as a dynamic pedagogy, incorporating embodied symbolism, intergenerational learning, and adaptive performance. The findings highlight the way the dance conveys religious, educational, economic, communicative, and patriotic ideals through its gestures, contexts, and modes of transmission. Despite its extension into contemporary environments, such as academic institutions and tourism, Pagellu preserves its cultural authenticity and educational profundity. These findings underscore the importance of traditional dance in preserving indigenous identity and highlight its ongoing relevance for cultural resilience in the face of modernization.