Gurusina Traditional Village

Architectural Structure and Cultural Symbolism

The core of Gurusina's cultural appeal lies in the architecture of its traditional houses, called Sa’o. Each house is not just a dwelling, but a symbol of social status and lineage. Preservation programs in Gurusina strongly emphasize the maintenance of Bhaga and Ngadhu ornaments.

Ngadhu is a symbol of the male ancestor, in the form of a single wooden pole with a thatched roof, symbolizing valor and strength. Meanwhile, Bhaga is a symbol of the female ancestor, shaped like a small house, symbolizing the womb, love, and gentleness. The presence of this pair of symbols in the center of the village is the focal point of all ritual and social activities, teaching the balance between masculinity and femininity in the Ngada social structure.

Cultural Activities and Traditional Education Programs

Gurusina operates its cultural center through daily life practices. One of its flagship programs is "Oral Inheritance" education, conducted by the traditional elders (Mori Pu’u) to the younger generation. On the terraces of the traditional houses, young people are taught about Arat, which is customary law governing the relationship between humans, God, fellow humans, and nature.

This educational program includes an introduction to family lineage (Gae) and proper etiquette for speaking in traditional forums. Visitors do not just observe, but are often involved in cultural dialogues to understand why the Gurusina community continues to maintain thatched roofs and bamboo walls amidst the currents of modernization. This is a structured form of cultural resistance to preserve identity.

Traditional Arts and Handicrafts

Ikat weaving is the backbone of handicrafts in Gurusina. The women of Gurusina spend their time under their houses or on the terraces weaving distinctive Ngada fabrics with geometric and figurative motifs such as horses and flowers. The "Weaving School" program informally takes place every day, where natural dyeing techniques using mengkudu root (red color) and indigo (blue color) are taught from generation to generation.

In terms of performing arts, Gurusina is home to the Ja’i dance. This dance is not just entertainment, but a sacred communal dance. The rhythmic foot movements follow the beat of gongs and drums, symbolizing unity and gratitude. The uniqueness in Gurusina is the use of bamboo musical instruments like Laba Deko, which provides a distinctive sound resonance different from other regions in NTT.

Reba Festival: The Peak of Cultural Manifestation

The most monumental cultural event in Gurusina Traditional Village is the Reba Traditional Feast. This festival is held annually as a form of gratitude for the harvest and as a tribute to the ancestors. Reba is not just a party, but a moment of reconciliation and self-evaluation for the community.

During Reba, a ritual of animal sacrifice is performed at the megalithic stones (Turu) scattered in the center of the village. One of the unique processions in Reba in Gurusina is the recitation of the ancestral origin narrative called Su’i Uwi. In this narrative, sweet potato (Uwi) is elevated as a symbol of food security that saved their ancestors in the past. This festival attracts thousands of eyes, both domestic and international tourists, making it an effective tool for cultural diplomacy.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage and Physical Conservation

Following a major fire that struck the village several years ago, the spirit of preservation in Gurusina has only grown stronger. The reconstruction of traditional houses is carried out through mutual cooperation (Gotu) following original architectural principles. The cultural center here ensures that every piece of wood used must undergo a ritual of permission from nature.

Conservation efforts not only touch the physical buildings but also the surrounding environment. The Gurusina community has strict customary rules regarding tree felling in the forests around the foot of Mount Inerie. They believe that protecting the forest is protecting water sources and the village's survival. This is a form of local wisdom in disaster mitigation and ecological preservation.

Gurusina's Role in Local Cultural Development

As a cultural center, Gurusina serves as a social laboratory. Many researchers, anthropologists, and art students make this village their primary object of study. The existence of this village encourages surrounding villages to remain proud of their traditional identity.

Gurusina also pioneers the concept of "Tourism for Conservation," where every contribution from tourists is allocated to an endowment fund for the maintenance of traditional houses and ritual ceremony costs. In this way, culture is not superficially commercialized, but empowered to sustain itself. The community is not just an object of spectacle, but a subject controlling their own cultural narrative.

Geographical and Spiritual Uniqueness

Gurusina's location directly on the hiking trail of Mount Inerie provides a unique spiritual dimension. The community believes the mountain is the dwelling place of ancestral spirits. Therefore, the entire layout of the village, from the entrance to the position of the Ngadhu, is directed to honor the presence of the mountain. This cosmological relationship between humans, architecture, and nature becomes a very deep cultural learning material for anyone who visits.

Every corner of Gurusina tells a story of resilience. Amidst the onslaught of digital technology, the young people of Gurusina remain skilled in playing bamboo music and memorizing traditional verses. Here, culture is not just a frozen past, but a future being prepared.

Conclusion: Keeping the Flame of Civilization Alive

Kampung Adat Gurusina is tangible proof that the strength of culture lies in the consistency of its people in holding fast to inherited values. As a cultural center in Ngada, Gurusina successfully integrates education, conservation, and creative economy aspects without sacrificing the sacredness of tradition.

Through the programs it runs, from annual festivals to daily education, Gurusina continues to ensure that the flame of megalithic civilization in the land of Flores will never be extinguished. It remains a beacon for anyone who wants to learn about how humans should interact with God, nature, and each other in perfect harmony. The continued standing of Ngadhu and Bhaga in Gurusina is a symbol that the diverse identity of the Indonesian nation will always have strong roots in traditional lands like this.