5 Types of Papuan Traditional Houses, Names, Pictures Complete explanations

Indonesia is a country rich in diversity of customs and cultures. Each region has different characteristics, one of which is Papua.

On the island of Irian, there is a Papuan traditional house that is unique and its shape has its own philosophy or meaning from each tribe. For more details, see our discussion of Papua Traditional House Materials including Names, Characteristics, Pictures and explanations below.

Papuan Traditional House

The Papua region is the largest area among other provinces. Papua has a very diverse ethnic culture from each tribe. Until now, the Papuan people still uphold their tribal customs. It is applied in everyday life by the people.

They still preserve the custom with the aim of one of which is that their tribal culture is preserved. Although it is slightly different from other parts of Indonesia, the Papuan people really appreciate the differences between each other. Papuan traditional houses have different forms and philosophical or meanings, the materials used in building traditional houses are not the same. This is what makes Papua even more exotic. The following are the names of the traditional Papuan houses and their explanations:

1. Honai

Honai House

Honai is a traditional Papuan house that is home to the Dani tribe. Honai itself is a place inhabited by adult men. Honai comes from the word "hun" or male and "ai" which means house so Honai is a house for men. Usually we can find Honai in valleys and mountains. The walls of this house are made of wood with a thatched roof that is conical in shape, if we see at a glance the shape resembles a mushroom.

Honai House

The shape of the roof, which was deliberately designed like a mushroom, aims to protect the wall surface from rainwater, as well as reduce the cold from the surrounding environment. Honai is a house that has no windows, only one door. This house has a height of 2.5 meters with a narrow room which is about 5 meters. It aims to withstand cold temperatures. In the middle, a circle is made which is a place to make a fire to warm the body as well as lighting.

2. Ebai

Ebai House

Ebai is taken from the word "ebe" which means body and "ai" which means house. So it can be concluded that the house of Ebai is a home for a life. Ebai is a place for girls and is usually used to carry out the education process for girls about life, especially life after marriage.

In addition, Ebai is also a place to live for mothers, daughters and sons. But boys who have grown up will move to Honai. The Ebai house is not much different from the honai, the difference lies only in its size, which is shorter and smaller. Located on the right or left side of the honai and the door is not parallel to the main door.

The hallmark of this ebei, this house has a smaller size compared to the Honai house. Usually located on the right or left. The door of the Ebai house is not parallel to the main door of the Honai house.

3. Wamai

Wamai House

Wamai is a house that is used as a place to store pets, such as pigs, goats, chickens, dogs and many more. The shape and size of this wamai house has many different sizes depending on the size and number of pets owned by each family.

The hallmark of this house is that it has a conical roof made of straw. In fact, it is almost the same as the shape of the honai and Ebai houses. It's just that this house is intended for pets. The shape of this house is designed in the form of a cone which aims to reduce wind and cold temperatures in the area because of the many mountains.

4. Kariwari

Kariwari House

Kariwari is a traditional Papuan house inhabited by the Tobati-Enggros tribe who live on the shores of Lake Sentani, Jayapura. This house is a special house for men who are about 12 years old. This house is used to educate the children about what men should do such as experience life and earn a living after marriage.

In that house they are taught to be responsible and brave and strong men. The lessons learned include making boats, how to fight, making weapons, sculpting and much more.

The hallmark of this house is that it has an octagonal shape that resembles a pyramid. The shape is designed with the aim of withstanding strong wind gusts. While the roof is conical. According to the belief of the people there to get closer to the ancestors. The height of the house also varies, from 20-30 meters. Consists of 3 floors, each of which has its own function.

5. Rumsram

Rumsram House

Rumsram is the traditional Papuan house of the Biak Numfor tribe located on the islands. This house is a place for men. Like kariwari, this house is used to educate young boys in their search for life experiences, as well as ways to become strong and responsible men as heads of families in the future.

The hallmark of this Rumsram is that it has a square shape like a house on stilts, with some carvings on some parts and the roof is like an upturned boat which signifies the livelihood of its inhabitants as fishermen. The height of Rumsram is approximately 6 to 8 meters.

Consists of 2 levels. The first floor is open, has walls. Which became a place of education for men for example making boats, sculpting, making tools for war and others. Like Kariwari, the rumsram house on the floor is made of bark and the walls are made of chopped bamboo trees. It has 2 doors on the front and back as well as several windows, and the roof is made of sago leaves.

Thus our discussion of the Papuan Traditional House Material. May be useful.