ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MEETS CULTURAL TRADITIONS: IDENTIFYING DAYAK KENYAH PAMPANG 'LAMIN' MOTIFS
Abstract
The Dayak tribe, particularly the Kenyah Dayak, have a rich cultural tradition characterized by their distinctive longhouses known as "Lamin." These traditional structures serve as vital communal spaces and are adorned with intricate carvings and paintings referred to as "Kalung" or "necklace." These Kalung motifs, traditionally comprising hornbill, dragon, crocodile, tiger, and arch, hold profound cultural significance, serving both as protection against malevolent spirits and as symbols of status. Regrettably, many remain unaware of the diversity of motifs within the Dayak Kenyah culture.
In response to this knowledge gap, our research endeavors to leverage technology for the identification and recognition of Dayak Kenyah wall decorative motifs. In recent years, image identification techniques have witnessed significant advancements, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies. To address this research objective, we draw upon a growing body of knowledge in the field of AI. Previous studies, such as the work conducted by Ardianto et al. (2020), have successfully applied AI techniques, specifically Naïve Bayes and Support Vector Machine (SVM), to diverse domains. For instance, Ardianto et al. (2020) employed these methods to analyze sports learning curriculum data extracted from Twitter, achieving promising results with the Naïve Bayes-SMOTE approach.
This research contributes to the preservation and appreciation of the Dayak Kenyah culture by utilizing AI-based image recognition techniques. By harnessing the power of AI, we aim to create a tool that allows the public to discern and identify the intricate motifs adorning Dayak Kenyah longhouses. Through this technological approach, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of these motifs while also promoting their preservation and recognition. Our study represents a novel application of AI in the realm of cultural heritage preservation, enriching the cultural tapestry of the Dayak Kenyah tribe and contributing to the broader discourse on heritage preservation through technology.