Representation of Cultural Elements in Tombak Sulu Sulu Among the Batak Toba Community: A Semiotic Analysis Using Roland Barthes’ Perspective

This research explored the representation of cultural elements in Tombak Sulu Sulu using Roland Barthes’ semiotic approach, which focused on denotation, connotation, and myth. This folklore was chosen due to its significance as a cultural artifact within the Batak Toba community in North Sumatra, Indonesia. This study employed a qualitative research design, utilizing Barthes’ semiotic framework. Data collection methods included interviews with traditional resource persons, observations, and analyses of graphic documents such as photographs and field notes. The data was examined using Miles and Huberman’s interactive analysis approach, which involved data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings revealed that Tombak Sulu Sulu conveys the Batak Toba people’s cultural values, social norms, and spiritual beliefs. This study highlighted the crucial role of folklore in preserving cultural heritage and collective identity, as well as its contribution to the study of semiotics in Indonesian literature and cultural discourse.