Peran Masyarakat Lokal dalam Pembuatan Ulos dan Pewarna Alami di Kampung Ulos Hutaraja Kabupaten Samosir

Abstract

The local community of Ulos Hutaraja Village still uses natural dyes to create Ulos, a center for preserving Toba Batak culture in Samosir Regency, North Sumatera. Ulos a traditional cloth steeped in symbolic and spiritual meaning, serves not only as traditional clothing but also as a cultural identity passed down through generations. Despite the advancement of modernization and the increasing use of synthetic dyes, the people of Hutaraja continue to uphold traditional dyeing methods using natural materials sourced from their surrounding environment. This research adopts a descriptive qualitative approach, employing direct observation and interviews with local weavers and cultural figures. The findings reveal that the use of natural dyes not only promotes environmental sustainability but also represents a concrete effort in preserving local culture. The community's initiative to maintain the authenticity of the Ulos-making process using natural dyes has become a symbol of resistance against modern lifestyles and an effort to maintain the identity of the Toba Batak ethnic group.