Inside Sumba’s Dwellings – Where Ancestral Spirits Reside

On the Indonesian island of Sumba, traditional houses present a dramatic silhouette as their imposing thatched roofs rise high against the sky. Elevated on sturdy wooden stilts, these dwellings are crafted from locally sourced materials such as bamboo, palm leaves, and elephant grass. They serve not merely as shelter but also as a spiritual and social framework for families and the wider community, where ancestral spirits are believed to reside in the uppermost part of the roof. A Sumbanese village is often arranged around a central plaza featuring megalithic burial monuments, fostering a unique connection between the living spaces and the resting places of ancestors. The houses’ spacious interiors provide an authentic setting for important rituals, while their exteriors boast adornments that reflect both a family’s status and the heritage of their lineage. The combination of iconic architecture, profound traditions, and close ties to the surrounding environment makes these homes one of Sumba’s most captivating sights—and an enduring source of fascination for anyone who has the opportunity to experience them up close.