The Dulohupa Traditional House is a traditional house from Gorontalo Province that represents the local wisdom of the community. The name Dulohupa comes from the Gorontalo language, meaning deliberation or discussion together. This house is not merely a residence but serves as a center for traditional activities, deliberations, and conflict resolution within the community.
The Dulohupa House is designed with the unique architecture of a stilt house, using natural materials that reflect the harmony of Gorontalo's people with their environment. Today, this traditional house has also become a symbol of cultural identity and pride for the people of Gorontalo.
Distinctive Features
Structure:
Built on stilts approximately 1.5 to 2 meters high, providing protection from floods and maintaining dryness. Constructed from strong local wood, such as coconut wood or meranti wood, with a roof made of palm leaves (rumbia) or zinc. The curved roof is designed to shield the house from heat and rain effectively.
Room Layout:
- Double Staircases: Dulohupa House has two staircases at the front, symbolizing togetherness and equality in deliberation.
- Main Room: Functions as a space for traditional meetings, deliberations, or cultural ceremonies.
- Under the House: The area beneath the house is often used for storage or as a workspace, especially during the preparation of traditional events.
Ornaments:
The house is adorned with wooden carvings featuring floral motifs and geometric patterns, reflecting the aesthetic values and beliefs of the Gorontalo community. The natural colors of the wood are preserved to create an elegant and traditional appearance.
Philosophical Meaning
The Dulohupa Traditional House embodies the philosophical values of Gorontalo society:
- Togetherness and Deliberation: The name ""Dulohupa"" reflects the spirit of communal cooperation and collective decision-making.
- Harmony with Nature: The eco-friendly structure highlights the community's respect for the natural environment.
- Equality: The double staircases symbolize respect for all community members who participate in deliberations.
- Cultural Identity: The house reflects the local wisdom and traditional values of the Gorontalo people.
Functions of the Dulohupa Traditional House in Daily Life
Center for Traditional Activities: Used for traditional deliberations, wedding ceremonies, and conflict resolution.
- Meeting Place: Serves as a venue for community leaders or traditional chiefs to discuss communal issues.
- Cultural Preservation: The house is a symbol of Gorontalo culture that continues to be preserved.
- Cultural Education Center: Dulohupa is also used as an educational site to introduce the cultural values of Gorontalo to younger generations.
- Tourist Attraction: The Dulohupa House is a cultural tourism icon in Gorontalo, attracting both domestic and international visitors."
