Technic and Mystics of Tukang Wangunan in Sundanese Traditional Houses in Indonesia (Case Study: Baduy Tribe Community-Banten)

Modern Sundanese society, especially in the Provinces of West Java and Banten, Indonesia considers technique and mysticism two things that are impossible to meet, because the technique is rational while mysticism is irrational. This assumption is different from traditional societies that view technique and mysticism as being reconciled, one of which is in the process of building a house. This is the background of the research to reveal how technique and mysticism can meet and unite by the tukang wangunan (craftsman). The Baduy community in Lebak Regency, Banten Province, Indonesia was chosen as the research location, covering the Baduy Panamping Village. Baduy is a prototype of Sundanese traditional society that has existed for hundreds of years. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method with an ethnographic approach. The results showed that: (1) The Baduy community views that mystical elements occupy a higher position than techniques, because of their relationship with Karuhun (ancestors); (2) In the technical element, there is a core of strength as the knot point in the form of jangjawokan (incantations) which is always read by the tukang wangunan, so that it sticks firmly to every dimension of the material; (3) The meeting point between technique and mysticism lies in the belief system of the Baduy community, namely Sunda Wiwitan, which gave birth to three cosmological views: Buana Nyungcung, Buana Panca Tengah, and Buana Larang. Tukang wangunan gets instructions from their ancestors through tirakat (special ritual), harewos (magical whispers), and impian (dreams) about how to bring together technical and mystical elements.