The Huma Betang Traditional House is the traditional home of the Dayak people in Central Kalimantan. Also known as a longhouse due to its elongated structure, it serves as a residence for multiple families within one community. The term Betang in the Dayak language means longhouse, reflecting the communal lifestyle of the Dayak people, who highly value togetherness, mutual cooperation, and harmony.
Huma Betang is not only a place of residence but also a center for social, cultural, and traditional activities. It represents the philosophy of the Dayak people, emphasizing respect for ancestors, traditions, and a harmonious relationship with nature.
Distinctive Features
Structure:
Longhouse Design: Huma Betang varies in length, ranging from tens to hundreds of meters, depending on the number of families it accommodates. Stilt House: It is elevated on wooden stilts about 3 to 5 meters high to protect against floods and wild animals. Building materials made from hardwoods like ulin or ironwood, known for their strength and durability, with roofs made from rumbia palm leaves or zinc.
Room Layout:
Main Room: Divided into compartments or rooms, each used by individual families as living quarters.
Central Space: Serves as a communal area for community activities, discussions, or traditional ceremonies.
Underneath the House: The space beneath the house is used for storing harvested crops, tools, or for keeping livestock.
Ornaments:
The walls and pillars of Huma Betang are adorned with traditional Dayak carvings, featuring motifs of flora, fauna, and geometric patterns reflecting the spiritual beliefs of the community.
Bright colors such as red, white, black, and yellow dominate, symbolizing bravery, purity, balance, and wisdom.
Philosophical Meaning
Huma Betang embodies the philosophical values of the Dayak people:
- Togetherness: It symbolizes unity, tolerance, and harmony within the community.
- Connection with Nature: The eco-friendly structure reflects a harmonious relationship with the environment and respect for natural resources.
- Ancestral Beliefs: The house's ornaments and design signify the community's reverence for their ancestors and natural forces.
- Cultural Identity: Huma Betang is a proud symbol of the Dayak people's cultural heritage.
Functions of Huma Betang in Daily Life
- Residence: Designed to house multiple families within one community.
- Center for Social and Traditional Activities: Used for communal meetings, traditional ceremonies, and cultural celebrations.
- Storage: The area beneath the house is utilized to store crops, tools, and daily necessities.
- Cultural Preservation: Huma Betang is a symbol of Dayak traditions, preserved and passed on to future generations.
- Tourist Attraction: It has become a cultural tourism icon in Central Kalimantan, introducing visitors to the traditions and lifestyle of the Dayak people."
