Rato Nale Beyond Masculinity and Femininity:

Gender Liminal in 'Nyale' Ancestral Religious Ritual in Marapu Community of

Southwest Sumba
Syamsurijal, Halimatussa’diah, Rismawidiawati, Muh Irfan Syuhudi, , Zusneli
Zubir1, Asmunandar2, Mikhael Molan Keraf3
1
Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional
2
Universitas Negeri Makassar
3
Yayasan Dondores
Email: syam017@brin.go.id

Abstract
Discussions on gender have primarily focused on the binary framework of
masculinity and femininity, centered around men and women. Human functions
and roles have been seen through these two distinct characters. However, within
the Marapu Community of Kodi Southwest Sumba, there exists a spiritual leader
known as Rato Nale, who embodies both masculine and feminine characteristics.
This happens when some rituals from the Marapu ancestral religion are held. This
article aims to describe liminal gender practices in a local ritual that is temporary.
In their daily lives, they return to the male position. This article also aims to
illustrate that the position of transgender in local communities is not always
related to sexual orientation but instead is related to rituals and shamanism. The
data in this article comes from qualitative research through interviews and
observations. The findings of the research show that the role of religious leaders in
Marapu beliefs at certain times combines masculine and feminine traits. One of
them is during the 'Nyale Ritual.' At that time, Rato Nale, who is physically male,
absorbs feminine characters into himself and performs male and female functions
simultaneously. At that moment, Rato Nale's gender construction is in the liminal
realm, between masculine and feminine, combining the two and then transcending
them. The merging of male and female elements is because the God they worship is
also a merging of masculinity and femininity. This fusion of masculine and
feminine elements is rooted in their worship of a deity named AmboNuhi (Ambo:
feminine; Nuhi: masculine), as their God embodies the fusion of both masculinities
and femininities. Because this liminal gender position holds a crucial role in their
rituals, the presence of transgender individuals is not stigmatized; rather, it is
valued and accepted as an integral part of Marapu cultural heritage."
Keywords: Rato Nale, liminal gender, masculine, feminine