THE VILLAGE OF BELARAGHI

In this hard-to-reach village, sixteen beautiful traditional houses stand majestically in two perfectly parallel rows in a secluded clearing, in harmony with the landscape. They are regularly meticulously maintained and renovated according to the principles of traditional Ngada architecture, and are in impeccable condition. As a result, the village is always in very good condition.

Five of the sixteen houses are what are known as"sao pu'u", first houses, recognized by a miniature house on the roof.

The other five separate buildings are"sao lobo", last houses, which feature a miniature human figure on the roof.

Five is also the number of clans currently living in Belaraghi. In addition to the buildings mentioned, Belaraghi clans are also affiliated with another type of house: the"sao kaka"(kakasignifies"to share"). These houses are considered "children", descendants of a clan's sao pu'uet and sao lobo. Some of the sao kaka are even located in other villages. The kaka inhabitants support their families in the sao pu'u and sao lobo financially and materially.

At the back of the village is a sacred site with five"loka" houses, one for each clan. The loka faces the"watu lanu", a construction consisting of a raised stone courtyard framed by bamboo poles. This site is mainly used by the Belaraghi for the"bui loka", a Ngada New Year ceremony.