SYMBOLIC MEANINGS OF THE ORNAMENTAL MOTIFS ON THE TOMB OF YUNUS BIN ALI AFANDI IN BONTOALA TUA, MAKASSAR
Keywords:
decorative motifs, ancient tombs, old Bontoala, symbols, Islamic artAbstract
The tomb of Yunus bin Ali Afandi in Old Bontoala, Makassar, is a cultural and artistic heritage of early 20th-century Islamic architecture, which features a diverse array of decorative motifs and symbolic meanings. This paper examines the meaning of the ornamental motifs on the tomb by contextualizing them within the network of Nusantara Islamic culture and global influences, particularly during the Dutch East Indies period. The method employed is a qualitative approach through iconographic, comparative, and contextual analysis of the tomb’s decorative elements. The research findings indicate that the decorative motifs on this tomb are dominated by Arabic calligraphy, as well as floral and geometric patterns. Typologically, the tombstone’s form bears similarities to the Ottoman Islamic tomb traditions in Turkey and the Demak-Troloyo tradition in Java. Additionally, the use of materials such as marble and floor tiles reflects the influence of colonial-era modernity. The tomb of Yunus bin Ali Afandi is not only seen as a tomb but also as a means of expressing the symbolic identity of Islamic culture and religion in Makassar at that time. The tomb’s decorative motifs represent Islamic values, such as the reminder of death and the oneness of God, and reflect the acculturation of Nusantara and regional cultures. The findings of this study will enrich the discussion regarding symbolic approaches in efforts to understand the dynamics of Islamic art and cultural heritage in Indonesia.
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