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| Foto:Thatched Roof Village |
VISTORBELITUNG.COM,Nestled on the slopes of the majestic Mount Inerie in the Ngada Regency of Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, lies Bena Traditional Village, a cultural treasure trove that has successfully preserved its ancestral heritage for over a thousand years. Often referred to as the "Thatched Roof Village," Bena offers visitors a powerful, authentic look into the unique megalithic and spiritual traditions of the Ngada people.
What immediately captures the eye in Bena is its distinctive architectural layout. The village is structured in two parallel rows of houses, forming a long, terraced, U-shape that hugs the hillside. The traditional houses are magnificent structures built of wood with towering thatched roofs made from palm fiber, a testament to the community's sustainable and time-tested building techniques.
The houses proudly display symbols of family prosperity and status, often featuring buffalo horns and wild boar tusks mounted above the doorways.
The open central courtyard of the village is the spiritual and ceremonial heart of Bena. This area is dotted with megalithic stones and two types of ancestral shrines that are central to Ngada belief:
Ngadhu: An anthropomorphic, umbrella-like structure that represents the male ancestor of a clan. It is typically adorned with carvings and topped with a figure, symbolizing strength and virility.
Bhaga: A small, miniature house-shaped structure with a thatched roof, which is the symbol of the female ancestor of a clan, representing the sanctuary of the house and the female body.
Location: Unnamed Rd, Tiworiwu, Kec. Jerebuu, Kabupaten Ngada, Nusa Tenggara Tim., Indonesia
These shrines, arranged in pairs for each of the village's nine clans, serve as a point of connection with the supernatural realm and the ancestors, where important rituals and animal sacrifices are still held today.
Bena is more than just a historical site; it is a living, breathing community. While its inhabitants have largely embraced Catholicism, their deep-rooted traditional beliefs (adat) and customs endure. Visitors are often welcomed by villagers engaged in daily life, including the traditional art of Ikat weaving, with beautiful hand-woven fabrics available as souvenirs.
The village's spectacular location, set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Inerie, only enhances its mystical and exotic atmosphere, making Bena Traditional Village an essential and unforgettable stop for anyone exploring the cultural landscape of Flores.