The primitive tribes of the MENTAWAI ISLANDS of Sumatra || SOUTHERN ADVENTURES

Hello, fellow adventurers!
welcome to channel SOUTHERN ADVENTURES.
I’m DADAN RAHAYU, and in this channel, we’ll explore the The Mentawai Islands of Sumatra and its tribes.
The paradise islands of Mentawai (Sumatra), is the home to the primitive tribes of Mentawai, one of the most interesting and unique tribes in the world that has its own culture and language. The Mentawai tribe still maintains the lifestyle and traditions passed down by its ancestors for thousands of years.
The Mentawai Islands of Sumatra and its tribes
Mentawai is a group of islands settled in the Mentawai Regency, West Sumatra Province. The Mentawai archipelago includes the following larger islands:
Siberut
Sipura
North Pagai
South Pagai
Sibigau
The Mentawai Islands are well known for their world-class waves. Experienced surfers from all over the world have long been coming to these islands in search of legendary waves. But it’s also a destination that has great appeal for any type of traveler, especially for those who want to meet the tattooed tribes of hunter-gatherers of the islands. Its unspoiled beaches are also spectacular and as idyllic as those you can find in other corners of Sumatra.
Although only 150 km from the mainland, the Mentawai Islands and its people remained isolated until the 19th century due to strong winds, unpredictable currents and razor-sharp reefs.
It is believed that the archipelago separated from Sumatra about 500,000 years ago, resulting in a unique flora and fauna, which place Mentawai next to Madagascar, in terms of endemic primate population. The island of Siberut is home to a rich variety of biodiversity that has earned it the designation of a biosphere nature reserve by UNESCO.
From the first moment you see coral beaches, rainforests and listen to the mischievous black gibbons playing in the trees, you’ll find it hard not to fall in love with this place.
Where do the Mentawai tribes live?
The people of Mentawai live around the island of Siberut, about 160 kilometers from Padang, the capital of western Sumatra. Siberut belongs to the Mentawai Islands archipelago. From Siberut, it is necessary to travel by canoe to be able to visit the different villages of the Mentawai tribes.
Mentawai tribes live a seminodic lifestyle in the coastal and jungle environments of the islands. The population of Mentawai is estimated to be about 64,000 members.
In Siberut, there are at least 30,000 people from the Mentawai tribe, who live in isolation from the modern community. It is said that the Mentawai tribe migrated to the Mentawai Islands from Nias Island to the north, living in isolation for centuries until it was “discovered” by the Dutch in 1621.
Beliefs and religion of the Mentawai tribes of Sumatra
The Mentawai are animists, the only ones in Sumatra. They believe that all things in nature possess a spiritual essence, and live in harmony and peace with the nature around them.
The people of the Mentawai are also known as “The Flower People.” This name is because before collecting a plant or killing an animal, they always ask first for forgiveness of their spirit, since they understand that each fragment of the environment possesses its own spirit.
The religion of the Mentawai tribes: Arat Sabulungan
This belief is one of the fundamental pillars of his ancestral religion known as Arat Sabulungan. This religion is characterized by a complex system of cultural beliefs that venerate the spirits of its ancestors, the earth, the sky, the sea, the rivers and everything that has to do with inner nature. Thanks to these beliefs, the Mentawai tribe of Sumatra has developed the skills, knowledge and values needed to maintain a sustainable and self-sufficient
The Shaman of the Mentawai Tribes: The Sikerei
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