Rumah Kaki Seribu is the original traditional house of the Arfak tribe in Papua, precisely in the Manokwari district. Manokwari Regency is geographically located in West Papua.
This traditional house is unique, one of which is shaped like a house on stilts. And there are many other unique things about this traditional house from West Papua.
The Uniqueness of the Rumah kaki Seribu in West Papua
Rumah Kaki Seribu is not a millipede animal, but this traditional house’s building structure and design are like that. The regional house of the Arfak tribe has various house foundation poles scattered throughout the bottom of the house.
This foundation is the central pillar of the building, so it gets the title of the Thousand Feet House. Then what are the exciting things about this traditional house? Here are some information of the uniqueness of the Rumah Kaki Seribu, a traditional house of West Papua:
1. Has Unique Architectural Details From Other Houses
The overall height of this traditional house is about 7 meters. The distance from the surface to the floor is about 1.5 to 2 meters. In comparison, the height of the house to the top of the roof is approximately 4.5 to 5 meters.
Rumah Kaki Seribu uses pillars as a foundation with a diameter of approximately 10 cm. They took wood from the forest around where the Arfak tribe lived.
In making house poles, the Arfak tribe requires a lot of wood because of its small diameter. This strong pole can support the load of the house and its occupants.
The roof of this house is also made of sago or dry reeds, usually obtained from the forest. However, some houses also use pandan leaves as a roof.
2. Not Use Nails in Making Houses
The unique thing about making the Rumah Kaki Seribu is that it doesn’t use nails. The Arfak tribe uses ropes made from tree roots or rattan from the forest to glue the wood, so it doesn’t fall.
2. The Shape Like a Stilt House
Rumah Kaki Seribu has a stilt shape, contrasting with the Honai house in West Papua. The construction of this house uses many wooden pillars arranged vertically to strengthen the structure.
Not carelessly, there is a strong reason why this house is on stilts. The purpose of making houses on stilts is because many wild animals roam the Manokwari area. The house must go higher to avoid various attacks by wild animals.
Not only because of wild animals, but the construction stilt house also happened because the people at the foot of Mount Arfak were often involved in tribal wars. They built tall houses to protect those not involved in the war.
To enter the house, they had to pass through a wooden ladder. In comparison, two access to enter and exit the Rumah Kaki Seribu through doors at the front and back of the house.
4. Have a Different Room Between Men and Women
The space in this traditional house is unlike the modern houses that are often found. This House is divided into two parts, on the left and right sides.
The people of the Arfak tribe call Ngimdi, or the right side, a place for men’s family members. At the same time, the left side or Ngimsi is used for women.
One family lives in the Rumah Kaki Seribu and several families at once. This situation can foster a sense of togetherness among the Arfak tribe.
Conclusion
Rumah Kaki Seribu, a traditional house from West Papua, is a place for people there to survive, hunt, fight, take care of the household and cook. This house is like the first school for the next generation of the Arfak tribe.
