Mappanetta' isi: the forgotten culture of the Bugis tribe

Mappanetta’ isi: budaya Suku Bugis yang terlupakan

Abstract

The prevalence of tooth loss among Bugis in Wajo Regency is lower than the national and South Sulawesi figures. In an effort to maintain the health of their teeth to prevent cavities and tooth loss, the Bugis tribe conducts the local wisdom activity of map-panetta' isi every day. This research was conducted in four sub-districts in Wajo District, South Sulawesi Province with a sample of 75 people. This research is a mixed method research, using exploratory mixed method design. Snowball sampling technique was used. The results of this research show that mappanetta' isi is believed to trigger a self-cleansing effect and induce a bone remodelling process that keeps teeth healthy and strong. Mappanetta' isi has a philosophical meaning that has gone through the stages of socialisation, internalisation, and enculturation. Mappanetta' isi activity is challenged in the preservation process be-cause this activity is starting to fade among the younger generation of the Bugis tribe due to cultural shifts due to modernisation. In addition, mappanetta' isi can be used as a model for preventing tooth decay.