Reflections on Taboo Symbols in Tamkesi Sacred Spaces

The purpose of this study was to examine the symbols in taboo expressions in the sacred places of the Tamkesi traditional village. The symbols in taboo expressions were examined through an ethnosemiotic lens to explore the deep cultural meanings that represent the cultural values of the Tamkesi community. By implementing a qualitative method with an ethnographic approach, this study utilised meticulous reading to reveal the meaning and cultural values of symbols in taboo expressions of the Tamkesi community. Data were collected from usif (king) and tribal chiefs, through in-depth interviews and continued with in-depth observations of the lives of the Tamkesi community to obtain a deep and comprehensive understanding of culture. Data were analysed through a structural systematic approach comprising data reduction, presentation, and conclusion. The results revealed that the taboo symbols of the Tamkesi community in sacred places were full of meaning, both literal or denotative meaning and cultural or connotative meaning that represent the cultural values of the local community in building harmonious relationships with God, nature, society, fellow human beings, and themselves. The existence and belief in this sacred place emphasised spiritual values that support human behaviour in building relationships with nature, society, fellow human beings, and oneself. The findings of this study contribute to the fields of ethnosemiotics, linguistic anthropology, and several data user authorities such as village governments, the Department of Tourism and Culture, language institutions and field of education to archive and formulate policies related to taboos as part of local wisdom.