Sejarah & Keunikan Rumah BOLON

Summary

The Batak traditional house, particularly the *Bolon* house, showcases unique architectural features, with varied roof shapes, vibrant colors, and symbolic meanings. The house is built on stilts, made of selected wood and rattan, and free of nails. The design includes slanted walls, large open spaces, and intricate carvings representing protection and prosperity. The use of specific colors like red, black, and white represents purity, strength, and the spiritual realm. The community's cooperation in building these homes highlights the cultural significance of support, honesty, and family success, making the Batak house a symbol of shared values and deep traditions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Batak traditional houses are unique to each Batak tribe, with distinct architectural designs and roof shapes.
• 😀 The most noticeable difference in Batak house architecture is the roof design, which can resemble a boat, scissors, or a sharp triangle.
• 😀 Some Batak houses are built on stilts, while others have only a few steps leading up to the front door.
• 😀 The color scheme of Batak houses typically includes red, white, light brown, black, and orange, each symbolizing specific meanings like purity, strength, and spiritual elements.
• 😀 Rumah Bolon, a typical Batak house, is a raised house with a height of about 1.75 meters, with a special entry requiring the visitor to duck under the door.
• 😀 Rumah Bolon is supported by strong wooden pillars and has a spacious interior with no separate rooms, except for designated areas for family members.
• 😀 The house design includes specific areas for different members of the household, such as the head of the house, daughters, sons, and guests.
• 😀 The construction of Rumah Bolon uses high-quality wood and does not involve nails, but instead uses strong natural fibers like rattan or ijuk to tie the materials together.
• 😀 Decorative carvings, like Gorga, on the exterior of Rumah Bolon symbolize protection against disaster, illness, and misfortune.
• 😀 Batak communities practice mutual cooperation (gotong-royong) in building traditional houses, with the wooden pillars symbolizing honesty and mutual support within the community.

Q & A

What is a distinctive feature of Batak traditional houses in North Sumatra?

A distinctive feature of Batak traditional houses is the variety in roof designs, which can take the shape of a boat, scissors, or a sharp triangle. These roof designs are unique across different Batak tribes.

How does the color scheme of Batak traditional houses hold significance?

The color scheme of Batak houses, which includes brick red, light brown, black, white, and orange, has symbolic meanings. White represents purity, red symbolizes strength, and black is associated with the spiritual world.

What is the typical height of a 'Rumah Bolon' (Bolon house) in relation to the ground?

A Rumah Bolon is typically raised about 1.75 meters from the ground, with the entrance door being approximately 1.5 meters high and 80 cm wide.

What is the purpose of the empty space inside the Rumah Bolon?

The empty space inside the Rumah Bolon serves to support the structure, with strong wooden pillars at each corner, ensuring the house stands firm.

What is the cultural importance of the roof in Batak houses?

The roof of Batak houses is considered sacred, as it is believed to be the place where valuable heirlooms and important items are stored.

How is the Rumah Bolon constructed without nails?

The Rumah Bolon is constructed without nails. Instead, strong ties made from materials like rattan or ijuk (palm fibers) are used to bind the wood securely, a technique known as 'reret'.

What is the purpose of the Gorga carvings on the Rumah Bolon?

The Gorga carvings on the walls of Rumah Bolon, which depict symbols like lizards, snakes, and buffaloes, are meant to ward off misfortune, disease, and other negative forces.

What does the term 'Gotong-Royong' refer to in the context of Batak house construction?

Gotong-Royong refers to the spirit of mutual cooperation and teamwork within the Batak community when constructing a traditional house. It emphasizes the importance of support and shared effort.

What is the significance of the high wooden posts in the foundation of the Rumah Bolon?

The high and straight wooden posts used in the foundation of the Rumah Bolon symbolize honesty and strength. They are meant to bear heavy loads and represent the integrity of the community.

How is the Rumah Bolon related to agricultural life in the Batak community?

The Rumah Bolon has a raised platform, known as 'panggung', where agricultural products like rice are stored. This reflects the community's hope for prosperity and success in farming and other life endeavors.