Boawae Traditional Village

Origins and Historical Foundation

The history of Boawae Traditional Village cannot be separated from the migration of the Nage tribe's ancestors. Based on oral traditions passed down through generations, this settlement was established as a center of power for the clans inhabiting the valley under the protection of Mount Ebulobo. From its inception, Boawae was designed as the "center of the world" for the local community, where every element of the village's architecture and layout reflects the Nage people's cosmology.

Historically, Boawae reached its peak significance during the Dutch colonial era, when the area was designated as the administrative center of the Nagekeo Kedatuan (Zelfbesturend Landschap). The selection of Boawae as the administrative center was not without reason; its strategic location and the strong influence of its traditional leaders made it a point of diplomatic convergence between local rulers and the colonial government.

Architecture and Spatial Symbolism

The architecture in Boawae Traditional Village is a manifestation of the community's life philosophy. The traditional houses, known as Sa’o, are built with stilt structures, using natural materials such as hardwood for the support pillars, bamboo for the walls and floors, and thatch for the towering roofs.

One of the most prominent features is the presence of the Peo. The Peo is a sacred pole made from a forked branch (usually heba wood) that symbolizes clan unity and bravery. In Boawae, the Peo is not just an ornament but the central point of all traditional rituals. Its shape, resembling a large fork, symbolizes buffalo horns, an animal sacred in Nagekeo culture as a symbol of prosperity and strength.

The village layout follows a linear pattern surrounding a large central courtyard. In this courtyard lie ancient stone tombs (dolmens) which serve as the final resting places for nobles and ancestors. The presence of graves within the settlement emphasizes the concept that the deceased do not truly depart but continue to watch over and protect their living descendants.

Role of Figures: Eka Raja and Nagekeo Leadership

The name Boawae Traditional Village is closely associated with the legendary figures of Raja Joseph Juwa Dhome and Raja Don Pius Rasi Veques Poto. These leaders are known as visionary figures who were able to balance the demands of colonial administration with the preservation of customary law.

Raja Don Pius, in particular, is remembered as the leader who united the Nage and Keo regions into a single administrative unit, Nagekeo. Under his leadership, Boawae became an intellectual and political center in Flores. The Raja's grand house, still standing tall in the complex, bears silent witness to important meetings that determined the fate of the Nagekeo people during the transition to Indonesian independence. A collection of historical royal artifacts, including a giant elephant tusk that was a diplomatic gift, is still neatly preserved as evidence of past glory.

Rituals and Cultural Life

Boawae's cultural significance is most evident in the Etú or traditional boxing ceremony. Unlike modern boxing, Etú in Boawae is a fertility ritual and a demonstration of masculinity imbued with indigenous religious values. The fights take place in the village's central courtyard, directly in front of the Peo. The blood that drips onto the ground during these fights is considered an offering to the earth for abundant harvests.

Additionally, there is the Para ritual, a tradition of slaughtering a buffalo in a very specific manner. The buffalo is tied to the Peo pole before being sacrificed. This ritual involves all levels of society, strengthening the bonds of solidarity among the clans (woe) in Boawae.

Preservation and Modern Challenges

As a historical site, Boawae Traditional Village faces significant challenges from modernization. However, preservation efforts are continuously undertaken voluntarily by the local indigenous community and supported by the regional government. The restoration of thatched roofs and the maintenance of wooden structures are carried out periodically, strictly adhering to customary rules—for example, the procurement of building materials must be preceded by prayers and permission from the ancestors.

Boawae's uniqueness lies in its status as not just a dead museum. This village is a "living museum" where traditional social structures, the Nage language, and customary law are still actively practiced in daily life. Visitors do not just see old buildings but also interact with a community that still upholds the values of honesty and mutual cooperation inherited from their ancestors.

Strategic Significance in NTT's History

In the context of East Nusa Tenggara's history, Boawae is a symbol of cultural resistance. While many other regions have lost their architectural and social identity due to external influences, Boawae stands firm as a bastion of the Nage tribe's self-identity. Its existence provides a deep understanding of how a local entity can adapt to modern state structures without abandoning its traditional roots.

Overall, Boawae Traditional Village is a physical narrative of the harmony between humans, nature, and ancestral spirits. Every pole planted and every stone laid in this village is a silent witness to the long journey of a small nation in the interior of Flores that possesses great dignity and honor. For history researchers and culture enthusiasts, Boawae is a civilization laboratory whose meanings are inexhaustible.