Reconstruction of Local Wisdom in the Toponymy of Huntu Village

Toponymy, or the study of place names, offers valuable insights into the cultural identity and historical narratives of a region. However, in many areas such as Gorontalo, toponymic studies remain limited, particularly in rural contexts where oral traditions dominate historical preservation. Huntu Village, located in the Bulango Selatan District of Bone Bolango Regency, has undergone administrative division into Huntu Utara, Huntu Selatan, and Huntu Barat. Despite this, the collective memory regarding the village’s origin and cultural identity has diminished, prompting the need for reconstruction through local wisdom. This research aims to reconstruct the local wisdom embedded in the toponymy of Huntu Village using anthropolinguistic and geographical approaches. Through in-depth interviews and literature review involving sixty informants—including village officials, traditional leaders, and residents—this study investigates the cultural meanings behind the village name and its traditions. The name Huntu is derived from Wuntu, a Gorontalo term meaning “upholding tradition,” which evolved due to pronunciation changes. This reflects the community’s understanding of tradition as a moral compass and a foundation of governance. The study identifies three core local wisdom practices: Mongubingo (a ritual lemon bath in female circumcision), Momuhuto (a ceremonial cleansing for brides-to-be), and Tahuda (oral advice shared in leadership transitions). These traditions not only shape cultural identity but also influence the interpretation of the village’s name. This research emphasizes the importance of toponymy as a tool for preserving cultural identity and suggests further exploration of how modernization affects local wisdom and place naming.