Types of Flora in Ornaments Rumah Bubungan Tinggi and Rumah Gajah Baliku, Teluk Selong, in Banjar Houses in South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

Traditional architecture adapts to the natural environment and local culture. Ornaments in traditional architecture usually to express the natural and cultural environment, but today the natural and cultural environment of the Banjar people has changed a lot. Some endemic flora is no longer found, and some cultural activities have also been abandoned. However, their forms and shapes are still imprinted on the architectural ornaments. Therefore, this research examines the types of flora and their meaning as ornaments in the Banjar Traditional architecture. It intends to enrich the knowledge of the endemic flora of South Kalimantan's wetlands, and contribute to preserve the ornaments of Banjar's traditional architecture.This research uses an interpretive qualitative method involving two case studies: the Rumah Bubungan Tinggi and the Rumah Gajah Baliku in Teluk Selong Ulu Village, Martapura, Indonesia. It does not intend to reveal the most accurate meanings, but to interpret the form of ornaments. The research steps involve: observing and identifying the forms of ornaments, comparing the forms with endemic wetland flora for initial interpretation, conducting descriptive analysis, discussing with traditional Banjar architectural carvers to obtain a common understanding of the ornaments, studying literature to enrich findings and the validity of research findings.It concludes that there are ten types of wetland flora that have inspired the two traditional houses, namely: clove (Syzygium aromaticum), ferns (Asplenium tenerum), and kelakai (Stenochlaena palustris) which means "useful". Betel (Piper betle L.), jeruju leaves (Acanthus ilicifolius), and noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) which means "repel evil". Bamboo shoots (Dendrocalamus asper) which means "consensus or togetherness" and "fertility or happiness". White jasmine (Jasminum sambac) which means "purity". Magnolia champaca (Michelia champaca L.) and Chinese perfume plant (Aglaia odorata Lour) which means "honor". This variety of flora is found in various carved motifs placed inside and outside the buildings.