International Journal of Indonesian Studies Volume 1, Issue 3 | Page 94

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INDONESIAN STUDIES
SPRING 2016
length of the average Ume kbubu is around 5.6-6 metres. The height of the Ume kbubu is
around 3.8-4 metres.
Appendix 1.2
An example of a royal ume kbubu
Timor was traditionally made up of a number of kingdoms: Mella, Nope, Baunaek (Mr. Bees
2014 pers. Comm). The kingdom of Nope was supported by four fiefdoms or supportive
kings: (Bell, Faot, Betty and Nubatonis). The ume kbubu below belongs to the descendants
of the Bell fiefdom (Mr. Mella 2013 pers. Comm). It is substantially larger than the standard
ume kbubu.

Appendix 1.3
Standard ume kbubu:
The researcher was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to spend a number of nights
in the ume kbubu located in Supul Village south of Supul Lake. This experience allowed for
the chance to experience the perceived environmental health hazards first hand.

Through limited experience living in the ume kbubu, it was found that levels of dust and ash
varied depending on the use of the kitchen. The direction of the smoke always rose to the
attic unless there was a pot on the fire. As a result, for those sleeping or receiving panggang,
the smoke rising high above them would have a variable effect depending on whether a pot
was put on the fire and the resultant direction of the smoke. However, it may be more
difficult to judge the short and long term impacts of this smoke, dust and ash on the lungs of

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