Towards Comfortable and Gender Friendly Weaving Rooms in the Sumba Houses in Anajiaka Village

Abstract

The study discusses the setting of weaving rooms in Sumba houses influencing the spatial arrangement and cultural meaning. The weaving rooms are considered as female space, so that it is placed on the left side of the house. This allows the weavers to do their domestic tasks and weave at the same time. Based on the problem, the study aims to find out the cultural values and the spatial adjustment of the weaving rooms. The study implemented descriptive-qualitative research method by collecting data through a field observation and interviews. The data were analyzed with gender equality concept in the context of Sumba to find out the cultural values of the weaving rooms. The comfortable principles were viewed from motion comfort through spatial adjustment of the weaving rooms and thermal comfort to examine the visual comfort. The study was done in Anajiaka Village, Sumba Tengah Regency. Five Sumba houses occupied by five members of weaving organization “INA DUTA” were selected as the case study. The results of the study show that the meaning of Sumba houses is changed by weaving activities. The houses are not only a cultural form, but also an economic means. This spatial transformation is followed by the shifting of gender role concept in the context of Sumba. Considering the key role of women weavers in improving the living quality, the providing of proper weaving rooms is a significant way to encourage women weavers in Anajiaka Village. By producing woven clothes, the weavers take a key part in sustaining the community of Anajiaka Village. The community can provide woven clothes that are needed for social and cultural materials without depending on the neigbouring communities.