Abstract
This anthropological study aims to construct the theological, philosophical, and sociological significance of the traditional Mbaru Gendang architecture in the customary village of Ruteng Pu’u, Manggarai. Employing a qualitative research method with an ethnographic approach, data were collected through participant observation and in-depth interviews with cultural figures and customary leaders (tua golo). The findings reveal that the Mbaru Gendang is not merely a physical dwelling but a material manifestation of Manggarai cosmology, linking the human, profane world with the transcendental dimensions of Mori Kraeng (God) and ancestral spirits. The vertical geometry of the conical roof and the placement of the Rangga Kaba (buffalo horns) at the building's apex serve as visual markers of spiritual commitment while symbolizing social cohesion through adherence to a unified customary leadership system. Furthermore, the ongoing physical maintenance of the structure and the performance of periodic rituals such as Teing Hang (offering rituals) act as mechanisms for the intergenerational transmission of cultural values. From an anthropological perspective, the preservation of these architectural symbols and ritual practices represents a tangible effort by the Ruteng Pu’u community to reproduce cultural identity, maintain cosmic balance, and articulate profound respect for past generations amidst the currents of modernization.
