Ceremonies, arts and other things of interest to see in Sumba:
Go to Indonesian language version of this page.
Pasola: A spectacular, ritual battle between two teams of mounted warriers. There are hundred of combatants and thousands of spectators. This event takes place in February or March each year and is believed, by the followers of the traditional animistic belief (Merapu) to ensure good fortune and harvest for the year ahead. Although the spears of the combatants must be blunt, there are often casualties and even deaths. There are no legal repucussions of deaths at the Pasola and even revenge must wait till the following year.
See also 'Blood, Sweat and Cheers'
Tie-dye cloth: Sumba if famous for its tie-dye, cotton blankets and shawls (kain Sumba). The cotton is locally grown, ginned and spun. It is dyed with natural dyes and woven on simple hand looms. A kain can take weeks and even months to produce. Some are for sale, but others have huge ceremonial value and are not for sale.
These fabrics are on sale all over Waingapu, especially at the airport, but don't be in a hurry to buy or you could pay dearly for a poor quality speciman. If you have time visit the nearby villages and see the fabric being produced. This will give you a better understanding of the process and environment of these wonderful fabrics. You will also get a better price.
See also 'Threads of Life - Sumba'
Funeral ceremonies and tomb stones: Second only to TanahToraja in Sulawisi, Sumba would have the best funeral ceremonies and tombs of any living culture in the world today.
Sumbanese believe thet death is the most important aspect of life and that their animals (buffaloes, cattle, horses and pigs) play a supremely important part in life and death.
See also 'Images of the Dead: Monumental Stone Tombs of Sumba'
Visit 'Architecture and Culture in West Sumba'