Indonesia
Jan
Indonesian tourists have an unspoken obligation upon returning from vacation: buying souvenirs for friends, relatives, and family. The same is true when you’re on vacation in Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara. You might be wondering what typical Sumba souvenirs you should bring home.
In Sumba, specialty souvenir shops are still rare, so you’ll want to look for typical Sumbanese souvenirs at markets or snack shops. Here’s a list of 14 must-buy Sumba souvenirs, which we’ve divided into two categories: goods and food.
Typical Sumba Souvenirs and Gifts:
1.) Woven Cloth, a Must-Buy Sumba Souvenir
Indonesia is a rich country. Every region has its own unique traditional fabric. Sumba is no exception, famous for its woven cloth. Unique and dense traditional motifs adorn almost every part of the fabric. This traditional fabric is spun using simple tools and hand-woven. Sumba woven cloth also uses natural dyes, making it quite complex to make. It’s no wonder this Sumbanese souvenir is quite expensive compared to woven cloth from other regions in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
For those of you curious about the price of Sumba woven ikat cloth, prices range from IDR 150,000 to tens of millions of rupiah. This depends on the thread density, fabric size, and the complexity of the motif. However, the quality is commensurate with its guaranteed durability, which can be kept for years.
You can buy it at souvenir centers, art galleries, and even directly in woven villages like Lambanapu Village and Raja Prailiu Traditional Village. Interested in collecting this Sumba souvenir? Don’t forget to take a photo with this woven fabric on your trip to Sumba’s beautiful beaches. It’ll be amazing!
2.) Mamuli Jewelry, a Unique Heritage from Sumba
Mamuli ethnic jewelry is an important part of Sumbanese tradition. Mamuli are usually given by a groom when proposing to a bride. Mamuli are generally made of copper, brass, or even gold. Their design resembles a womb or female genitalia. This shape symbolizes the female womb and a sign of fertility, honoring the woman’s position. However, this jewelry is not only worn by women but also by men, especially during traditional ceremonies.
In the past, gold mamuli were used as earrings. In fact, the Sumbanese people have a tradition of lengthening their ears while wearing large mamuli. Today, mamuli are not only earrings but can also be used as brooches and necklace pendants. They come in many different shapes and come in various decorative motifs. Prices depend on the material used; for example, small mamuli earrings can start at Rp 100,000. You can buy them at markets or boutiques.
3.) Lulu Amah, Tali Kalung yang Unik dari Sumba
Selain membawa mamuli, laki-laki Sumba juga wajib membawa lulu amah saat melamar seorang gadis. Bentuk lulu amah mirip kalung lebar, terbuat dari jalinan kawat tembaga yang dikepang membentuk silinder dengan tengah yang kosong. Kedua ujungnya dibentuk menyerupai kelamin laki-laki. Karena keunikannya inilah, wisatawan wajib membawa pulang oleh-oleh khas Sumba ini. Kamu bisa menggunakannya sebagai kalung atau pajangan.
4.) Sisir Haikara, Aksesori Cantik dari Sumba
Sisir haikara adalah sisir tancap atau sirkam cantik dengan motif khas Sumba di bagian atasnya. Umumnya dipakai wanita Sumba di belakang kepala pada acara adat tertentu. Dulunya, sisir hias ini khusus digunakan oleh wanita-wanita kerajaan saja. Kini, siapa saja bisa memakainya.
When worn, this comb resembles a small crown, enhancing the wearer’s beauty. Haikara combs were once made from turtle shells. However, they are now also made from wood to preserve the turtle’s habitat. Be sure to pick up this hair accessory when you travel to Sumba.
5.) Buffalo Bone Carvings, an Anti-Mainstream Collection
This typical Sumbanese souvenir is also quite unique: buffalo bone carvings. In ancient times, Sumbanese people often affixed these carvings to the corners of their homes. However, some still practice this tradition in their homes. These carvings are a bit spooky due to their large size. But they are perfect for those of you who enjoy collecting unusual items.
6.) Typical Sumbanese Wallet: Tongal
Tongals are traditional wallets or bags of the Sumbanese people. This souvenir is truly unique. It’s not made of leather or other materials, but of wood. Typically, this accessory is worn around the waist of Sumbanese men. Curious about this Sumbanese souvenir? Don’t forget to buy one during your vacation in Sumba.
7.) Anahida, Ethnic Trinkets from Sumba
For those looking for souvenirs from Sumba, consider purchasing anahida, or muti salak (snake fruit) beads. These antique beads are made from natural, orange-colored corn-sized stones. This proud Sumbanese jewelry is a symbol and identity for the wearer. The number of strands indicates their position, status, wealth, and success in life.
These beads are usually strung into necklaces and worn in layers around the neck. This Sumbanese accessory is also popular on the islands of Timor, Sabu, and Rote. Anahida necklaces are also used as dowries or belis (a gift) and are as valuable as gold, silver, and livestock.
8.) Sumba Parang for Home Decoration
Sumbanese parangs are slender at the handle and then widen towards the tip. The handle itself is made from buffalo horn or elephant tusk. This shape makes them agile in the air. According to sources, Sumbanese parangs were once used to hunt down enemy heads. Only the nobility could own them. Fortunately, that era is over. Today, Sumbanese machetes are merely decorative items. Interested in adopting this unique Sumbanese souvenir?
9.) Souvenirs and Handicrafts from Sumba
There are many unique souvenirs and handicrafts from Sumba that you can take home. For example, souvenirs made of copper come in various shapes. These include statues of elephants, butterflies, grasshoppers, turtles, and even statues of a man and woman having sex. Wow, isn’t that unique?
Delicious and Affordable Food Souvenirs from Sumba
10.) Famously Delicious Sumba Cashew Nuts
Don’t return from your vacation in Sumba without bringing home some Sumbanese cashew nuts. Sumbanese cashew nuts are typically fried before serving, giving them a savory and crunchy flavor. Sumbanese cashew nuts are usually mixed with chocolate for an even more delicious flavor. However, other flavors are also available, such as original, fried, and spicy.
You can buy processed cashew nuts in Tambolaka and Waingapu. Prices vary, starting from IDR 100,000. For a cheaper option, you can buy raw cashew nuts in Tambolaka. There are many raw cashew nut collectors in the area.
11.) Kaparak, a Carbohydrate-Rich Snack
Kaparak is a typical Southwest Sumbanese food that has become increasingly difficult to find. Now, kaparak is being redeveloped and packaged so it can be taken home as a typical Sumbanese souvenir. This food souvenir lasts for several months.
Kaparak itself is made from corn flour, white sugar, and coconut. It’s prepared by roasting over hot coals. You can eat it as a snack, rich in carbohydrates, protein, and vegetable fats.
12.) Savory Titi Corn from East Nusa Tenggara
This delicious Sumba specialty is made from corn and is fried without oil. So, even if you’re avoiding oil, you can still enjoy this delicious Sumbanese snack. Titi corn tastes very similar to popcorn, delicious! If you don’t like the original flavor, you can order it spicy or sweet.
13.) Super Spicy Maloto Sambal from Sumba
Another Sumba specialty you must bring home is maloto sambal. This Sumbanese sambal is extremely spicy because it’s made from local bird’s eye chilies, which are known for their spiciness. It’s also black in color.
14.) Delicious Sumba Coffee
If you’re a coffee lover, you must bring home coffee from Sumba. Sumba coffee is a robusta type. This type of coffee grows well in the humid and cool highlands of the Wewewa region and one or two villages in the Kodi region, Southwest Sumba Regency.
Sumba coffee is renowned for its rich flavor. Sumba coffee also has a unique flavor, with a chocolatey aftertaste and a delicious aroma. In fact, it was named the best coffee in Indonesia at the 2017 Nusantara Coffee Festival. So, don’t forget to buy this food souvenir after your trip to Sumba.
Those are 14 examples of typical Sumbanese gifts and souvenirs you should bring home. Not only are they unique, but Sumbanese souvenirs and mementos demonstrate the Sumbanese people’s ability to develop traditional values into attractive economic commodities.
Source: https://blog.pergi.com