The first thing that you would notice when visiting Flores Island is their house. Its shape resembles a large cone and is completely covered by daun lontar (palm leaves). You can call it Mbaru Niang. Their traditional house is so unique that it received an award from UNESCO in 2012.[1]
So, is there any reason why the architectural design looks like that? If there’s any, what’s the significance of their house to their culture? To answer those questions, make sure to read until the end!
What is Mbaru Niang?
Mbaru Niang means “the tall and roundhouse” in their regional language. Mbaru means “house,” and Niang means “tall and round.” Manggarai people, one of the Indigenous People of Flores, believe that a circle is a sign of balance. That’s why their house was made like that.
The traditional house of Wae Rebo stands out with its unique architectural features, notably the palm leaf roof covering almost all areas. Although these houses are rare in Indonesia today, they can still be found in the Wae Rebo Village.
The seven main houses in Wae Rebo Village hold significant cultural symbolism, representing respect for the seven directions of the mountain. Perched 0.696 miles above sea level over the mountains of Flores, these houses have been home to generations for over 1,200 years, preserving their cultures and traditions.
The Significance of Mbaru Niang in Wae Rebo Culture
Mbaru Niang is essential for the people of Manggarai as it has social, cultural, and spiritual functions.
Social and cultural functions:
- A place to live.
- To gather together and have a chat.
- A place to deliberate and make decisions.
- To perform traditional events and ceremonies.
- To host their guests.
- A symbol of their identity and cultural heritage.
Spiritual function:
- A place to pray.
- To perform religious rituals.
- To store offerings (on the 5th floor of the house).
- As a sign of respect for the 7 directions of the mountain (symbolized by 7 houses).
- A symbol of marriage (symbolized by the building’s connection construction)
Architecture and Design
You can find out about the philosophy behind the design and architecture of Mbaru Niang in this section.
Its Structure
In a literal sense, this big cone roof protects residents from cold weather. That’s why it is so big and covers almost all parts of the house, similar to other houses in mountain areas. In a metaphorical sense, the philosophy of Mbaru Niang symbolizes harmony and balance.
The use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and palm leaves shows local wisdom. They choose environmentally friendly materials that can last a long time, which is why they can pass the house on from generation to generation.
Interior Layout
The house was arranged into a radial configuration with a central-host post. The perimeter is divided into either individual rooms or separated portions.[2] All the houses look identical, and the height is approximately 13 meters.
Each house has five floors, each with a different purpose. The first floor (tenda) is used as a residence. It’s a living space for family, extended family, and guests (if there are any).
The front area (luntur) mainly functions as a living room, while the back area (molar) mainly functions as a kitchen. There’s also a space called worok in the middle of the house, where the head of the family will sit there while staring at the entrance.
On the house’s first floor, there are about six segregated booths where the residents sleep. One family usually occupies each booth.
Meanwhile, the other floors are used as a storage place. They store their yields on the 2nd floor (lobo mehe), daily necessities on the 3rd floor (lobo lentar), seeds for farming on the 4th floor (lemparae), and offerings for rituals on the 5th floor (hengkang kode).
You can also see various traditional decorations, such as engravings and paintings, depicting the history of Wae Rebo and highlighting its identity.
The Cultural Importance of the House
From a cultural perspective, here is the importance of Mbaru Niang!
1. A Symbol of Wae Rebo Identity
The house stands as a testament to the sustainability of Wae Rebo’s culture and tradition, a legacy that has endured for centuries. It serves as a conduit for passing on the knowledge of its construction and maintenance to the younger generation, instilling a sense of continuity and preservation.
2. Its Importance in Daily Life
More than just a living space, the house is a hub for various social activities, from community meetings to traditional rituals and family events. It embodies many cultural values, including religious beliefs, mutual cooperation, nationalism, integrity, and independence, fostering a deep connection to the community’s traditions.[3]
The patriarchal system is still very apparent here. Men are the head of the family and make the majority of decisions. Women are in charge of the house and kitchen.
However, in a sign of changing times, women are increasingly taking on more roles, particularly in the burgeoning tourism sector. Their dedication to crafting ikat weaving Alor Island and other handicrafts for themselves and their families and tourists is a testament to their resilience and adaptability.
Visiting Mbaru Niang: What You Need to Know
To avoid confusion, make sure to know all of this before visiting!
1. How to Get to There
If you are curious about how to get to Wae Rebo Village, you can book a flight to Komodo International Airport in Labuan Bajo. After that, rent a car (3 hours) and continue your journey to Denge Village. Then, you need to trek for 3-4 hours to get there.
2. Experiencing Mbaru Niang During Your Visit
The good news is you can stay at Mbaru Niang and experience life like a local. Obviously, you can freely interact with them. They’re very friendly and will welcome you with open arms. As long as you are polite, they will be happy to introduce their culture to you.
FAQs
There are some FAQs so you can understand it better!
1. Can I Stay in Mbaru Niang?
Yes, you can. But make sure to bring your own toiletries because the facility in the house is limited.
2. What is the Best Time to Visit Wae Rebo?
You can visit throughout the year, but the trek will be more difficult during the rainy season.
3. Is There Any Entrance Fee?
To enter the village area, you need to pay IDR 10.000 – 20.000 (USD 0,61-USD 1,23) for the welcoming ceremony. As for staying, the rate is IDR 325.000 (USD 19,96) per night. You will get free breakfast, dinner, coffee/tea, folding mattresses, and blankets.
That’s all you need to know about Mbaru Niang, a beautiful castle in the clouds that you can find in the Flores Mountains. Its uniqueness can certainly make your experience unforgettable. So, are you ready to visit the village?
