Philosophy 4 Traditional Houses of North Sumatra (Batak)

Even though the Bolon traditional house is considered the only nationally recognized identity for the traditional North Sumatran house, did you know that the Batak people in North Sumatra actually have more than one residential architectural style? The Batak tribe itself is divided into several sub-tribes, namely the Karo Batak, Simalungun Batak, Pakpak Batak, Toba Batak, Angkola Batak, and Mandailing Batak, each tribe having different traditional house architectural arts. In the following, we will discuss some of the traditional North Sumatran houses of the Batak children one by one. North Sumatra Traditional House.

1. Bolon Traditional House, Toba Batak

The Toba Batak traditional house or commonly called Rumah Bolon has been asked to represent the traditional house of North Sumatra on the national stage. The house is rectangular in shape and is included in the category of stilt houses and is generally inhabited by 4-6 families who live together.

If in Java and other tribes in Sumatra the stilt style house is deliberately made to avoid attacks by wild animals, the bolon traditional house is actually deliberately made on stilts so that it has a bottom of the house. The house is then used as a cage for their pets such as pigs, chickens, or goats.

If you want to enter the bolon house, you have to go through a ladder at the front of the house. The staircase has an odd number of steps, and upon entering this house, we will be forced to duck because of the short door of the house. The door of the house is deliberately made short so that guests bow down so that philosophically they are considered to respect the owner of the house. So, here is the physical appearance of this Toba Batak traditional house.

2. Siwaluh Jabu Traditional House, Karo Batak

The Siwaluh Jabu traditional house, as it is commonly called, is a Karo Batak traditional house whose existence can still be found today. This house is architecturally very artistic style. The walls are tilted, the roof is in the form of a three-story triangle, and at the top of each triangle is decorated with a buffalo head symbolizing prosperity.

The Siwaluh Jabu traditional house is generally very large. It is usually inhabited by around 8 indigenous families. Each family in the house generally has its own role. There are those who act as leaders, workers, cooks, and so on. The following is the physical appearance of this traditional house in North Sumatra.

  

3. Bolon Traditional House, Simalungun Batak

The Simalungun Batak has a traditional house with the same name as the Toba Batak traditional house, namely the bolon house. Even though it has the same name, architecturally the Bolon traditional house in the Simalungun Batak style is different from the Bolon house in the Toba Batak style. The difference lies in the pillars, roof style, and decoration.

The supporting pillars of the Simalungun Batak traditional house are arranged horizontally across and resting on unpacked foundations. The style of the roof is high with a very steep slope and is equipped with windows. The decoration also has more aesthetic value because of the carved ornaments on the wooden walls. The following is the front view of this North Sumatra traditional house.

4. Bagas Godang Traditional House, Mandailing Batak

One of the remnants of the architectural art heritage of the Mandailing tribe in North Sumatra in the past is the architectural art of the Bagas Godang house. This traditional house in North Sumatra in the past was intended as the residence of the king. Therefore, this godang bagas house is usually built on a large complex and its existence is generally always accompanied by the Sopo Godang building or traditional hall.

Both the Bagas Godang house and the sopo godang building are stilt houses supported by an odd number of large wooden pillars, the same as the number of steps.

So, those are some of the traditional houses of North Sumatra which come from 6 children of the Batak tribe who are the original inhabitants. It's classic, isn't it..? Interested in making a dwelling in the style of one of the Batak traditional houses above? Please try!