About

A Bridge Between Tradition & Modernity

Our Story

Founded in 2019 by Melania Karolina, MANAMU is a female-owned social enterprise born from a profound admiration for Sumbanese artisans and their dedication to the intricate arts of Lulu Amah & Mamuli. Witnessing their skill and passion ignited a desire to protect their cultural treasures and support the communities that nurture them. MANAMU was built to be a bridge, allowing the beauty of Sumba's heritage to thrive in today's world.

Melania Karolina is the visionary Founder and CEO of MANAMU, a pioneering social enterprise built on the conviction that tradition must empower the future.

After dedicating two decades to the strategic, high-stakes environments of the international corporate world, Melania recognized a profound opportunity: to leverage her expertise to address a critical social and cultural need in Indonesia.

Driven by an immediate passion for the Sumbanese artisans and their intricate, near-lost art of Lulu Amah & Mamuli, she founded MANAMU in 2019. Her mission is clear: to build a sustainable bridge between ancient technique and contemporary markets.

"Every piece we create is a testament to the artisans' resilience, woven with the soul of Sumba. It is a reminder that ethical choices generate positive change. By embracing existing traditions and honoring the hands that shape them, we create a more beautiful and sustainable future for all."

Melania Karolina, Founder & CEO

ABOUT THE BRAND

More than just a brand, MANAMU is a movement to empower artisans, uplift community and ensure the survival of a precious cultural heritage. By choosing MANAMU, you are not only acquiring a unique piece of handcrafted beauty but also becoming part of a story of resilience, sustainability, and human connection.
The name MANAMU holds a beautiful story. In the language of Sumba, it means “the dearest”, reflecting the deep connection we have with our artisans. But there’s more to it. ‘Mana’ in Sanskrit means “soul” and ‘Manus’ in Latin means “hand” symbolizing the artistry and handcrafted nature of our
pieces. Finally, ‘Mu’ in Indonesian means “your”, emphasizing that each creation is made with you, the owner, in mind. This unique blend of meanings reflects MANAMU’ mission: to empower Sumbanese artisans, preserve the soul of Lulu Amah & Mamuli, and create exquisite pieces that can become your dearest treasures.

THE PRODUCT

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MANAMU transforms the finest wires of stainless steel, brass, and copper into exquisite jewelry and beautiful pieces that make up our home décor collection, each piece is a testament to the enduring artistry of Sumbanese weavers. Our handcrafted collections blend contemporary style with the soul of Indonesian heritage, creating treasures that are as unique as you are.

HOW THE PRODUCT IS UNIQUE

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Each MANAMU piece is meticulously handcrafted entirely by hand. This dedication to tradition results in truly unique pieces, which can be customized
or made to your own design. With innovative designs such as collapsible lampshades and other artworks, we are also minimizing our environmental impact, honoring both people and planet.

THE JOURNEY OF THE THREAD: FROM SUMBA'S SOUL TO BALI STUDIO

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In the spirit of collaboration, every MANAMU creation travels through two hubs:

The Soul of Sumba: On the windswept shores of Sumba Island, our dedicated collective of master artisans keeps the ancient traditions of Lulu Amah & Mamuli alive. It is here that the exquisite metal threads are woven by hand into the core pieces, ensuring the profound cultural heritage is embedded into the product.

The Heart of Bali: In our Bali studio, a skilled finishing team works with meticulous precision. It is here that the beautiful, structural wire threads are prepared into intricate coils and that the final pieces are assembled and polished, blending traditional art with contemporary elegance.

Every single MANAMU piece is a testament to the artistry, dedication, and cultural heritage woven into its very being. It’s more than just an object; it’s a story you can wear, a piece of Indonesian artistry you can cherish.