The history of Mamuli & Lulu Amah is intricately woven into the traditions and beliefs

of the Sumbanese people.

The origins of Mamuli & Lulu Amah trace back to a single Marapu clan, the DAI NDIPPI

MARAPU, and their skilled artisans, the RUOPA. These were the first to craft these

exquisite pieces, their legacy echoing in the Sumbanese language as PATUKU

RUOPA (for Mamuli) and PATUKU LOMBU (for Lulu Amah).

Fashioned from precious metals like gold, silver, brass, and copper, these adornments

hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. The initial design of Mamuli, according to

Marapu beliefs, was modified to be less explicit in its representation of the female form,

yet it still embodies feminine power and fertility. Each intricate motif etched onto the

Mamuli and Lulu Amah tells a story, its history woven into the very fabric of Sumbanese

life.

These pieces are not merely decorative; they are central to the customs and traditions

of the Sumba people. In marriage ceremonies, the Mamuli & Lulu Amah, along with

livestock, are presented as dowry by the groom’s family, symbolizing the union of

masculine and feminine energies essential for a prosperous life.

In return, the bride’s family offers HINGGI (cloth) or KAIN (skirt) and LAU (sarong),

signifying the reciprocal nature of this sacred bond. Similarly, in death ceremonies,

these precious objects accompany the deceased, along with HINGGI and LAU,

signifying the continuity of life and the connection between the living and the

ancestors. Just as in life, Mamuli & Lulu Amah are inseparable in death, their presence

a testament to the enduring spirit of Sumba.

These pieces are not merely objects but living embodiments of Sumbanese heritage,

their stories woven into the fabric of the island’s identity. They are worn as adornments,

treasured as heirlooms, and revered as symbols of the enduring connection between

the Sumbanese people, their ancestors, and the land they call home.

Tracing the Origins:

Much of what is known about the incorporation of Mamuli & Lulu Amah in Sumbanese

cultural practice depends on oral history. Sources tell us Mamuli likely originated

several centuries ago and potentially over a thousand years as evidenced by the

archaeological finds in burial sites, and the use precious metals like gold and silver.

Lulu Amah potentially has a similar age to Mamuli; and this is suggested by the use of

copper, which is easier to work with than gold or silver, and the frequent pairing of Lulu

Amah with Mamuli in ceremonies and rituals. It’s clear that both Mamuli & Lulu Amah

represent ancient and deeply ingrained aspects of Sumbanese culture, signifying their

enduring importance and presence throughout history.