Tarung Traditional Village

Architecture with Soul: The Symbolism of Sumba Traditional Houses

The core of this cultural center lies in the rows of Uma Kalada (great houses) with their towering, soaring roofs. The structure of these buildings is not merely aesthetic but a representation of the Marapu cosmology. Each house is divided into three parts: the space beneath the house for livestock (symbolizing the underworld), the middle section for human activities (the middle world), and the tower as a resting place for ancestors and a repository for heirlooms (the upper world).

The architectural preservation program in Tarung involves intergenerational knowledge transfer in nail-free construction techniques. Tourists and researchers can learn how bamboo, kadimbil wood, and alang-alang are assembled into earthquake-resistant structures. Tarung's unique feature is the presence of megalithic burial stones scattered in the village courtyard, which are still used today in traditional funeral ceremonies, making this village an authentic living museum.

Cultural Activities and Educational Programs

As a cultural center, Tarung Traditional Village offers various structured educational programs for visitors and the local youth. One of its flagship programs is the Pahikung and Lambaleko workshops.

1. Sumba Ikat Weaving Art: Visitors can follow the entire process of fabric creation, from spinning cotton, natural dyeing using mengkudu root (kombu) and indigo (nila), to intricate weaving techniques. The motifs produced in Tarung, such as horses, chickens, and the tree of life (Andung), are taught along with their philosophical meanings.

2. Marapu Literacy: This program aims to explain the local belief system to the outside world. Traditional elders or Rato serve as the main sources, explaining the rituals of offerings, reading chicken entrails for divination, and the importance of maintaining harmony with nature.

Traditional Arts and Performances

Life in Tarung Traditional Village is always accompanied by the rhythm of music and dance. Performances here are not merely for entertainment but are an integral part of rituals.

• Woleka Dance: A dynamic welcoming dance, accompanied by the beat of Sumba gongs and drums. Male dancers symbolize the agility of warriors, while female dancers exhibit grace.
• Pajura (Traditional Boxing): On certain occasions, Tarung witnesses the prowess of Sumba men in Pajura. This is a ritualistic physical combat game, usually performed before the planting season as a plea for soil fertility.
• Jungga Music: A traditional Sumba plucked string instrument often played on house verandas in the evening, singing verses about ancestral history and life advice.

Cultural Event: Wulla Poddu

The culmination of all cultural activities in Tarung Traditional Village is the Wulla Poddu (Sacred Month/Taboo Month) festival. For a full month, typically in October or November, the village transforms into the most sacred ritual center in West Sumba.

During Wulla Poddu, various prohibitions or taboos apply to the residents, such as the prohibition of holding parties, mourning the dead, and hunting certain animals. The series of activities includes a wild boar hunt, where the catch is considered an omen for the next year's harvest. This festival is the main attraction, demonstrating the Tarung community's strong commitment to preserving ancestral traditions amidst the currents of modernization.

Handicrafts and Creative Economy

Besides weaving, Tarung Traditional Village is also a center for metal and wood handicraft production. Craftsmen here produce Parang Sumba (Katopo) with beautifully carved handles made from buffalo horn or teak wood. These machetes are not just weapons but symbols of Sumba men's pride and social status.

There is also the creation of traditional jewelry such as Mamuli (gold or silver jewelry shaped like a woman's womb), symbolizing fertility and respect for women. Through village cooperatives, these handicrafts are marketed to support the community's economy without losing the sacred values of these objects.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage and Community Role

Following a major fire that once struck Tarung Village several years ago, the spirit of mutual cooperation or Gotong Royong of the Sumba people was tested. The rebuilding of the village was carried out while strictly adhering to customary rules (Pemali). This proves that Tarung's function as a cultural center is driven by the mental resilience of its people.

The community in Tarung is actively involved in cultural mapping and oral history documentation. They collaborate with the West Sumba regional government to ensure that tourism development does not erode original values. The "Customary-Based Tourism Village" program ensures that every tourist who visits must follow customary protocols, such as wearing a Sumba sarong and seeking permission from the Rato before entering certain areas.

Role in Local Cultural Development

Tarung Traditional Village serves as a "social laboratory" for researchers, anthropologists, and artists. Its location in the heart of Waikabubak City makes it a bridge between urban life and agrarian-megalithic traditions. Tarung provides a strong identity for West Sumba, ensuring that amidst technological advancements, the local community remains rooted to the earth.

This cultural center also serves as a nature school for Sumba children. Every afternoon, children can be seen learning to dance or play the gong under the guidance of their elders. This is the most effective form of cultural regeneration, where traditions are not just stored in museums but are lived daily.

Conclusion: The Essence of Tarung Village

Visiting or learning about Tarung Traditional Village is a spiritual journey. Here, we learn that culture is not static but something that breathes and adapts. Through its magnificent architecture, the sacred Wulla Poddu rituals, and the hospitality of its people who hold fast to Marapu teachings, Tarung Traditional Village stands tall as the last bastion of megalithic civilization in the Nusantara. As a cultural center, Tarung not only preserves the past but also provides direction for the future of Sumba's identity in the eyes of the world.