News – Manamu Handwoven

In The News

We are honored to have our story and the incredible work of our artisans featured by publications from around the world. Explore the articles below to learn more about our journey.

The First Gesture of the Heart: Sirih Pinang and the Art of Connection
Post
The First Gesture of the Heart: Sirih Pinang and the Art of Connection Delve into the profound philosophy of Pahappa (Sirih Pinang), the ancient ritual of welcome that serves as a vital gateway to communication and a symbol of equality in East Sumba. Discover how MANAMU weaves this social wisdom into their Regenerative Hospitality model, inviting you to connect with master artisans as equals during their upcoming 2026 expeditions.
Read Full Article
Sumba: A Return to the Source of Woven Light
Post
Sumba: A Return to the Source of Woven Light Journey deep into the Sumba highlands with MANAMU’s founder, Melania Karolina, as she reflects on their latest Cultural Adventure. From the welcoming echoes of the Luluk Panggara Taungu and the visceral thunder of the Pasola ritual, to the intricate "Architecture of the Thread" found in Pahikung and Lulu Amahu metal weaving, discover how MANAMU combines ancient hand-wisdom with a Regenerative Hospitality model to empower local artisan communities.
Read Full Article
The Invitation: A Journey Beyond the Object
Post
The Invitation: A Journey Beyond the Object Step out of "Clock Time" and into the rhythmic pulse of the Sumba highlands. Founder Melania Karolina officially invites you to the 2026 MANAMU Cultural Adventures—a high-profile, curated immersion where luxury meets cultural sovereignty. Discover the 1,000-year-old "Hand-Wisdom" behind Lulu Amahu metal weaving and Pahikung textiles, partake in ancient rituals of equality, and become a direct stakeholder in preserving Sumba’s living heritage.
Read Full Article
The Breath of the Highlands: Understanding Luluk Panggara Taungu
Post
The Breath of the Highlands: Understanding Luluk Panggara Taungu Discover the soul of East Sumba through Luluk Panggara Taungu, a ritual "Collective Call of Joy" that bridges the human and the divine. Learn how MANAMU integrates this powerful vocal tradition into their artisan heritage and find out how you can experience this living cultural fabric firsthand during their upcoming 2026 Cultural Adventures.
Read Full Article
Weaving Sumba’s History Into the Fabric of the World
Media
Travel writer Paul Walters delves into Sumba's 'forgotten' history and the unique Marapu beliefs that shape its art. The article praises MANAMU's mission to empower local artisans by introducing their skills to a global market, highlighting the company's resilience through the pandemic and its success in increasing weavers' incomes by 66%.
Read Full Article
A Loop of History on Sumba Island
Media
Garland Magazine explores the deep cultural roots of Sumba's wire-weaving art, focusing on MANAMU's dedication to its preservation. The article details how Melania Karolina's social enterprise is creating a sustainable "loop" between the past and the future, connecting ancient Marapu traditions with a contemporary global audience.
Read Full Article
Reviving Two Nearly Extinct Sumbanese Crafts
Media
IDN Times covers MANAMU's crucial effort to save Lulu Amah and Mamuli, two crafts older than Sumba's famous ikat weaving. Facing a dwindling number of artisans, MANAMU has empowered 20 young Sumbanese people in Bali, ensuring the craft's authenticity continues and successfully penetrating international markets in the USA, Japan, and Australia.
Read Full Article
Sumba’s Artisans in the Spotlight
Media
NOW! Bali highlights the MANAMU Storytelling Center in Sanur, a space dedicated to spotlighting the lesser-known but deeply significant metalwork traditions of Sumba. The center acts as a living exhibition where visitors can connect with the soul of Sumba's heritage, providing new markets for artisans and reinvigorating ancient crafts like Mamuli and Lulu Amah.
Read Full Article