ASMARITA DAHLIAH Pengarang SEBASTIANUS FERNANDEZ Dosen Pembimbing 1 MARCELINUS YERI FERNANDEZ AKOLI Dosen Pembimbing 1 Fransiskus Bustan Penguji 2 Sebastianus Fernandez Ketua Penguji Marcelinus Yeri Fernandez Akoli Penguji 1

This thesis is entitled “Semiotic Analysis of Lewak Tapo: A Traditional Ceremony in Kolilanang Village, Adonara Sub-District, East Flores Regency”. This study was conducted to answer these questions: (1) What are the kinds of symbols found in Lewak Tapo ceremony? And (2) What are the meanings of those symbols? The aims of this study are to identify the symbols found at Lewak Tapo ceremony and to describe the meanings of the symbols involved at Lewak Tapo ceremony. The method used in this study was a qualitative method. The research was conducted in Kolilanang village, Adonara Sub-District, East Flores Regency. The data were taken from three informants. The result of data shows that Lewak Tapo ritual is performed in a sacred ambiance. This ritual is to figure out the causes of a person's death to be symbolized in the splitting a coconut fruit. Lewak Tapo ritual is carried out by Atamolan (traditional shaman). There are three processes of Lewak Tapo ritual they are, Rewa Tapo, Hua Preta Ekang, and Lewak Tapo. The writer found five symbols based on meanings namely, Tapo, Tuak, Manuk, Lelu, and Wua Wayak, and six symbols based on functions namely, Kenube, Neak, Kenui, Peneh Tana, Nawing, and Kenatan. Key Words: Symbols, Meanings, Lewak Tapo Ritual