Children’s book author Agnes Bemoe presents her novel Misteri Mamoli Kuno (The Mystery of the Ancient Mamoli), a book designed to introduce children to the unique history and culture of Sumba, during an RRI Pekanbaru radio feature.
The adventure follows two children, Dara and Roli, who find a traditional Sumbanese mamoli ornament and a poem, launching them into a fictional mystery tied to the real historical Kodi War (1911–1913).
The author emphasized that the mamoli represents womanhood and remains a vital element in Sumba tradition today, notably featuring in marriage dowry (belis) customs.
Drawing from her roots in Flores and 1.5 years of living in Sumba, Agnes crafted her book’s background through a dedicated two-month writer’s residency in Southwest Sumba in 2019.
Originally published in 2022, the well-received children’s book has been officially re-issued this year with fresh, updated cover art.