Sumba Cultural House

Traces of Marapu Civilization: History and Dynamics of Rumah Budaya Sumba

Rumah Budaya Sumba, located in the heart of Waitabula, Southwest Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, is not just a conventional museum building. It stands as a guardian of the collective memory of the Sumba people, a bridge connecting the megalithic past with the dynamics of modernity. As a historical site and cultural documentation center, this place holds the long narrative of the identity, spirituality, and social resilience of the people on this island nicknamed "Tanah Humba" (Land of Humba).

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Origins and Background of Establishment

Unlike ancient historical sites formed naturally by millennia of evolution, Rumah Budaya Sumba is the crystallization of a vision to save cultural heritage that is gradually being eroded by time. Officially established in 2011, this institution was born from the initiative of Romo Robert Ramone, CSsR, a Catholic priest and photographer who dedicated his life to documenting Sumba's richness.

The establishment of this site was triggered by deep concern over the disappearance of Sumba's sacred artifacts abroad and the destruction of traditional villages due to uncontrolled fires or modernization. Romo Robert saw that without a capable conservation body, future generations of Sumba would lose their historical roots. Therefore, Rumah Budaya Sumba was built not just as an exhibition space, but as a center for research and preservation of the noble values of Marapu.

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Architecture and Construction Details: Reflection of Sumba Cosmology

Architecturally, Rumah Budaya Sumba adopts the Uma Mbatangu structure, or a house with a high peak, which is a characteristic of traditional Sumba houses. Its construction follows Sumba's cosmological principles, which divide the world into three parts:

1. Lei Bangun (Underground): The area beneath the house floor, traditionally used for livestock, but in this building's design, it symbolizes the underworld or place of origin.

2. Ronga Uma (Main Room): The space where human activities take place, which in this museum is used as an artifact exhibition gallery.

3. Uma Dana (Tower/Peak): The towering roof section, believed to be the dwelling place of ancestors (Marapu).

The main building materials retain natural elements such as local hardwoods and bamboo, although reinforced with modern construction techniques to ensure the building's resilience as a documentation center. The towering thatched roof symbolizes communication between humans and the creator. Engraved details on the main pillars (Pari Ratu) inside the building depict traditional motifs such as Mamuli (symbol of the womb and female dignity) and motifs of horses and buffaloes, which symbolize social status and strength.

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Historical Significance and Artifact Collection

Rumah Budaya Sumba holds more than just inanimate objects; it holds fragments of Sumba's historical events. Its collection includes thousands of items from various historical periods, ranging from the prehistoric megalithic era to the Dutch colonial period in Sumba.

One unique historical fact is the storage of various types of original Guardian Statues (Penji) and megalithic burial stones. This site records the social transition when external religious influences began to enter Sumba in the 19th and 20th centuries, yet the community maintained Marapu traditions as their ethical foundation. Here are collections of ancient ikat weaving fabrics whose motifs are no longer produced today, which tell the story of clan structures and inter-tribal warfare in the past.

In addition, there are rare black and white photographs documenting the lives of Sumba kings (Rato) in the past, the first documented Pasola ceremony, and traditional funeral processions involving thousands of people. This collection serves as a primary reference for historians wishing to study the unique feudal structure in Southwest Sumba.

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Role of Figures and Relationship with Marapu Beliefs

The connection of this site with Marapu beliefs is very strong. For the Sumba people, Marapu is not just a religion, but a value system that governs the relationship between humans, nature, and ancestors. Rumah Budaya Sumba functions as a mediator, explaining how rituals such as Wulla Poddu (holy month) and Pasola have strong historical roots in food security strategies and social harmony.

Romo Robert Ramone, as a central figure, successfully demonstrated the synergy between humanitarian mission and cultural preservation. The existence of this site under the auspices of a religious institution, while still respecting local traditions, makes it a rare example of historical inclusivity.

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Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

As an active historical site, Rumah Budaya Sumba continuously undertakes restoration efforts for damaged cultural heritage objects. Many wooden artifacts found in a dilapidated condition in traditional villages are brought here to be conserved using traditional and chemical techniques to prevent them from being destroyed by age.

The local government of Southwest Sumba and the Provincial Government of NTT have recognized this site as a vital cultural center. Efforts to digitize the collection have also begun to ensure that Sumba's historical narrative can be accessed by global researchers. One of the main challenges in preservation here is the maintenance of the thatched roof, which must be replaced periodically, a process that involves the local indigenous community, thus maintaining the sustainability of traditional skills (local wisdom).

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Cultural Meaning for Contemporary Society

For the younger generation of Sumba, Rumah Budaya Sumba is a "school of life." Amidst the onslaught of pop culture, this site serves as a reminder of their identity. A unique historical fact states that this site often becomes a place for inter-clan reconciliation in case of customary disputes, as it is here that the fundamental values of the ancestors are objectively displayed.

Rumah Budaya Sumba is also a literacy center for weavers. They come to relearn ancient motifs that were once lost so they can be reproduced, ensuring that history does not just stop on display shelves but flows back into the pulse of the community's creative economy.

Overall, Rumah Budaya Sumba in Southwest Sumba is a living monument. It is not merely a silent witness to history, but an active participant continuously weaving back the severed threads of Sumba's civilization. Through its magnificent architecture and authentic collection, this site asserts that Sumba's future can only be built on a foundation of deep respect for its past history.