TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - East Sumba Regency’s Prailiu turned out to hold a special meaning to Hamish Daud, the husband of Indonesian popular singer Raisa. Through his Instagram account, he revealed that his father once stayed in the area in 1973.
The traditional Prailiu Village in East Sumba, which was one of Hamish’s childhood memories took place, is one of the places to visit in Waingapu. Prailiu is one of the existing kingdoms in the modern era, although after the village’s last king Umbu Djaka died in 2008, a new king has yet to be appointed.
The history of the Prailiu Village is something that interests the public and visitors of the location. Here are at least three of the village’s interesting facts.
1. Traditional houses
The houses in this village take the form of traditional houses that comprise a pyramid-like roof made of natural resources known as “uma mbatang” or “uma hori”.
2. Majestic stone tomb
Even though the Tamu Umbu Djaka king passed away in 2008, the king’s body was buried one year after his death since such a funeral was costly. The king’s tomb is made out of stone that weighs 40 tons.
The stone tomb is also filled with resident’s contribution in the form of pieces of fabric other than sacrificial animals. The tomb is also decorated in such a way that it stands out compared to the other tombs.
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3. Handwoven fabric
The people of Prailiu are known to believe in a belief system called Marapu, which worships the spirits of their elders. Residents have many items that Marapu people would use as a medium to bridge the living to their ancestors. Even though its residents have adopted other religions, the tradition still lives on with a special handwoven fabric that is used in a number of traditional events, such as weddings and spiritual ceremonies.
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