Papua is a province that is rich in culture and natural resources. One of its cultural treasures is its typical house called Honai .
What is unique about Honai is that it can adapt to various natural conditions. Apart from that, the shape of this house is also very distinctive.
The Origin of Honai
The Honai House was created by the Dani tribe. Before building the Honai house, many of them lived under large trees. However, due to uncertain natural conditions, they decided to build a house.
The Dani tribe is a tribe that is very dependent on nature. They spend all their time in nature.
The creation of the Honai house was also inspired by birds. The Dani tribe noticed how birds can build nests when they lay eggs. Birds will collect wooden twigs and dry grass to make nests.
Then, the birds will make a round nest from the twigs and dry grass they collect.
This incident inspired the Dani tribe to observe that birds could make a place to live to protect their eggs until they hatched. That’s why Honai was born.
Description of Honai
Honai is a typical traditional house. The shape is round to circular like a bird’s nest. Honai is also made of wood and the roof is made of straw. The roof of Jonai itself is cone-shaped like a mushroom.
Honai is unique in that it only has one door and was built without windows. The diameter of Honai houses varies greatly but is usually around 5 meters with a height of 2.5 meters. Honai is a small residence, this aims to keep the room temperature warm.
Types of Honai
Honai are divided based on gender, here are the divisions:
A male Honai is a Honai that is kept in bed by adult men and those who are growing up. This Honai is larger and is used to store traditional symbols.
Apart from that, men’s Honai are also used for group meetings or receiving guests. Therefore, this male Honai is bigger.
Meanwhile, the women’s Honai is a bed for mothers and small children.
Not only that, there is also a place that is used as a kitchen. Rectangular shape.
Sometimes the kitchen is used as a bed by the Dani tribe. The reason is that the place feels warm because there is cooking activity using firewood in the stove.
Once warm enough, the fire will be extinguished. Then just smoke inside the Honai which can warm the body until morning.
The lighting in Honai is sufficient with a burning fire. They rarely use candles because of the risk of fire.
The Honai that was built only had one door and no windows. Therefore, people living in Honai suffer from diseases of the respiratory tract.
Author: JS
Travel Vlogger, Journalist,
