Traditional Games, Character-Related Meanings, and Intangible Cultural Heritage: A Qualitative Multi-Site Study in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Purpose – This study examines how traditional games are understood and practiced as locally transmitted cultural knowledge, with particular attention to character-related meanings, educational possibilities, cultural identity, and intergenerational transmission in South Sulawesi.

Design/methodology/approach – A multi-site qualitative design with ethnographic elements was conducted in four contrasting contexts: Makassar City, Gowa Regency, Toraja Regency, and Sabutung Island in Pangkep Regency. Forty-five purposively selected participants comprised community/cultural custodians, parents and elders, children/adolescents, and local educators. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and cultural documentation and were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework.

Finding/Results – Four themes were identified: declining youth interest in traditional games; disruption of intergenerational cultural transmission; perceived educational and cultural value; and transformation from everyday practice toward ceremonial performance. The analysis also differentiates four practice categories children’s traditional play, traditional games/strategic or physical games, ritualized competition, and ceremonial cultural performance according to participation, ritual status, competitiveness, physical risk, cultural function, and everyday versus ceremonial use.

Originality/Value – The study offers an evidence-sensitive, context-specific framework for distinguishing traditional play from ritualized and ceremonial practices and proposes community-governed principles for possible educational revitalization. The findings support safeguarding and pilot educational use only where age appropriateness, safety, authenticity, and community custodianship are established.