SPIRIT PENGORBANAN TONU WUJO SEBAGAI EKSPRESI PAHAM KETUHANAN MASYARAKAT LAMAHOLOT FLORES TIMUR

Abstract

The Lamaholot community in East Flores possesses a cosmology that views harmony among humans, nature, and God as the foundation of existence. This cosmology is embodied in the Tonu Wujo tradition, a sacred myth of a goddess whose sacrificed body transformed into food crops to save the tribe from famine. This study aims to describe the Tonu Wujo ritual system and analyze its understanding of divinity and the spirit of sacrifice. Using a descriptive-analytical qualitative method, data were collected through literature reviews and interviews with customary leaders. The findings show that Tonu Wujo functions as a "living liturgy" encompassing land clearing (Oring Gahan), planting (Murung Keneber), and harvest thanksgiving (Hogo Belo). Theologically, it reflects Lera Wulan Tana Ekan, portraying God as Creator and Sustainer immanently present in nature. Tonu Wujo thus emerges as a local theological expression that strengthens Lamaholot religious identity through life-giving sacrifice.