Labuan Bajo is not only known for its stunning natural beauty but also for its rich and fascinating local traditions and culture. As part of the Manggarai region, the people of Labuan Bajo have unique traditions that reflect the local wisdom passed down through generations. Here are some of the traditions and culture of the Manggarai people that are worth knowing:
Caci Dance
Caci dance is a traditional dance originating from the Manggarai region, of which Labuan Bajo is a part. The name “caci” itself has a meaning; it comes from the words ca, meaning one, and ci, meaning test. Therefore, caci can be interpreted as a one-on-one duel. In this dance, a pair of performers are pitted against each other, usually equipped with special tools such as a whip called larik and a shield known as nggiling. This is a war dance typically performed during traditional ceremonies or harvest celebrations.
Manggarai Ikat Weaving
Manggarai Ikat Weaving, also known as Tenun Songke or Towe Songke, is the traditional woven fabric from the Manggarai region. The weaving process still uses traditional methods, preserving its quality and unique characteristics. The fabric features black as its base color, combined with a variety of captivating motifs. These motifs include su’i, jok, ntala, ranggong, and many others. Songke woven fabric makes an excellent souvenir when visiting Labuan Bajo.
Mbaru Niang Traditional House
Mbaru Niang is the traditional house of the Manggarai region. This cone-shaped house stands tall at about 15 meters. Built using worok wood and bamboo, the construction is tied together with rattan ropes, adding to its uniqueness. The cone-shaped roof, made from lontar leaves, extends downward, nearly touching the ground.
The house consists of five floors, each serving a specific purpose: the first floor is for living quarters, the second for storing food and goods, the third for keeping crop seeds, the fourth as a reserve food storage for the dry season, and the fifth as a space for offerings to ancestors. This traditional house can be found in Wae Rebo Village. Visiting Wae Rebo is a highly recommended destination when in Labuan Bajo.
Traditional Leadership System
The Manggarai people have a unique traditional leadership system. The leader or head of the community is called Tu’a Golo, while Tu’a Gendang serves as the head of the traditional house, and Tu’a Teno is the guardian of the customary land. This system ensures harmony within the community and preserves traditions and customs.
Penti Ritual
The Penti ritual is a traditional ceremony performed as an expression of gratitude to God and the ancestors for the harvest and life experiences, while also praying for blessings and prosperity in the coming year. This ceremony is held by the residents of Wae Rebo Village, Satar Leda Village, to welcome the new year based on the traditional calendar. It typically takes place in August or September each year.
During the Penti ritual, community members and relatives living outside the village return to celebrate together. The ritual is centered at the traditional house gendang and involves the sacrifice of pigs and buffalo, depending on the needs and invited guests. The ceremony is enlivened by the Caci dance, performed in an open field. Hundreds, even thousands, of participants, including villagers, family members, and tourists, join the event.
Manggarai Marriage Customs
Manggarai marriage customs have unique processes before, during, and after the marriage. The term kawing comes from the local language, meaning marriage. The Manggarai people recognize several types of marriage, including:
- Kawing Cangkang
As mentioned earlier, kawing means marriage, and cangkang refers to outsiders, non-family, or guests. Thus, kawing cangkang is a marriage outside the family involving a man and a woman with no kinship ties. This type of marriage aims to create new kinship relations. - Kawing Cako
The term cako means cutting, dividing, or separating. Therefore, kawing cako refers to a marriage between members of the same family within the patrilineal system. This type of marriage is intended to strengthen family bonds and ensure that family wealth is not passed to another clan. - Kawing Tungku
Kawing Tungku is a cross-cousin marriage in Manggarai society. The term tungku means reconnecting or establishing a relationship. The purpose of this marriage is to restore family ties that have been lost in the family lineage. - Kawing Lili
This type of marriage involves a man marrying a widow who was left by his brother or sister or a widow with familial ties to her late husband.
In addition to these types of marriage, one interesting tradition in Manggarai weddings is the concept of belis or dowry. Belis is a dowry given by the groom’s family, often in the form of animals like buffalo, or other items, to the bride’s family according to mutual agreement. This tradition symbolizes the groom’s family’s respect and responsibility toward the bride’s family.