<i>Tupping</i> : preserving cultural heritage amid globalization in South Lampung

Tupping, a traditional mask performance from Kalianda, South Lampung Regency, Indonesia, holds significant cultural and historical value but remains underrepresented in scholarly literature. Known locally as Tupping, this art form employs masks with diverse shapes and characters, reflecting various facial expressions and personalities. This research aims to examine Tupping as an integral element of South Lampung’s cultural life, focusing on its history, characters, functions, and its role in the community amid globalization. Methodologically, the study employed an ethnocoreological approach, supported by historical, linguistic, and ethnographic perspectives. Data were collected through observation, documentation, interviews, and literature reviews, including the analysis of manuscripts and related references. The findings reveal that Tupping originated as a ritual practice linked to harvest festivals and village protection, featuring 12 distinct masked characters. Over time, the performance has evolved to serve broader functions such as promoting socialization, fostering solidarity, offering entertainment, and providing aesthetic expression. This study highlights that Tupping instills core values: politeness, tolerance, cooperation, respect, and courage, within the Kalianda community, shaping daily life while reinforcing cultural identity. Amid globalization, Tupping functions both as a guardian of tradition and a medium of cultural resilience, ensuring the preservation of Lampung’s heritage while allowing engagement with modernity.