Rumah Uis, located in Medan, has become a favorite shopping destination for residents of North Sumatra who enjoy collecting traditional woven fabrics, clothing, and ethnic Karo accessories. Owned by Averiana Barus, Rumah Uis has attracted notable visitors like the Mayor of Medan, Bobby Nasution, who has visited the store multiple times to shop for clothing.
Averiana Barus’s love for Karo culture is the driving force behind Rumah Uis, even though not everyone initially appreciated her work. „In the beginning, not everyone liked my modifications to Uis. People have different perspectives on traditional fabrics. Some see the sacredness, while others focus on the cultural aspects that should not be altered,“ explained Averiana Barus in an interview with Tribun Medan.
Uis Gara or Uis Karo is a familiar item in Karo society. Uis is a fabric or clothing worn during traditional ceremonies or daily activities by the Karo people. Ave, as she is fondly called, saw the economic potential of Uis. She mentioned encountering various opinions when she started modifying Uis, with some people believing that traditional fabrics should not be altered in such a manner.
Ave expressed concern about the lack of popularity of Uis Karo compared to other woven fabrics. She noticed that at traditional fabric exhibitions, Uis Karo was often overlooked. „In 2014, compared to other woven fabrics, Karo fabric did not have a prominent place. It was always in the background because it was mainly used for traditional ceremonies,“ Ave recalled. „I thought, why doesn’t our high-quality and delicate fabric have a spotlight? Maybe it wasn’t a trend back then,“ she added.
Starting with simple items like accessories and bags, Ave’s creations expanded to include clothing made at her parents‘ home. Each product from Rumah Uis features unique motifs because Karo weaving is done manually, resulting in variations in each weaver’s work. This uniqueness appeals to customers who seek non-generic designs.
Inside the three-story shop, a young woman appears puzzled as she browses through Rumah Uis’s collection. She occasionally calls a friend for advice on making a selection. The prices of Rumah Uis’s collection start at Rp 50,000, with Uis Nipes being the most popular choice among customers.
Rumah Uis stands out as a hub for traditional Karo fabrics and clothing, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Karo people. Averiana Barus’s dedication to preserving and promoting Karo culture through her creations has made Rumah Uis a must-visit destination for those seeking unique and authentic ethnic pieces in North Sumatra.