
30 Agustus 2024
Hanna Gultom

The Kabola tribe, famous for their distinctive clothing made from tree bark, is a firm cultural representative of Alor, East Nusa Tenggara. They carved this heritage in the Monbang Traditional Village, a village located in Kopidil Village, North West Alor District, about 7 kilometers from the heart of Kalabahi City. Before woven cloth arrived in Alor, clothing made from tree bark had become part of their identity. This uniqueness strengthens the image of the Kabola tribe, creating a rare and interesting imprint, distinguishing them from other communities.
The Kabola tribe lives in traditional houses which carry a unique charm. Different from the traditional houses of other tribes in Alor, their houses are built with tall round wooden poles, covered by alang-alang roofs. The walls, made of woven bamboo, lontar, or planks, have 3 levels, creating a comfortable living space. In the past, their clothes were made from tree bark, a symbol of living in harmony with nature. Even though the Kabola people are now switching to modern clothing, the tradition of wearing bark clothing is still maintained, especially in traditional ceremonies. The manufacturing process is simple, starting with cutting down a large Ka tree, measuring it according to needs, and sometimes cleaning the bark by hand. The skin is then beaten until it is soft and shaped into clothing, before being hung in the sun to dry. With tenacity and skill, within two days, the bark clothes were ready to be worn, carrying the stories and rich culture of the Kabola tribe.
Bark clothing, a valuable heritage of the Kabola tribe, is not just ordinary clothing. Made with care and love, these clothes can last a long time, even through generations. Caring for it is simple, just make sure it doesn't come into contact with water, and if it does, immediately clean it and dry it again. The design of this garment is very distinctive: for men, only the bottom is made, while for women, the shape resembles a long dress up to the knees, covering the body except the arms. Equipped with accessories such as headbands, belts, bracelets, and anklets, as well as bags for storing betel nuts, this clothing is an embodiment of the rich culture of the Kabola tribe. More than just clothing, this traditional clothing contains a deep message: that the Kabola people remain united with nature, maintain harmony with their environment, and pass on these values from time to time.