Mentawai's Sikerei: Guardians of Spiritual Wisdom

• Photographer
  Mahendra Bakle
• Agency / Studio
  Mahendra Bakle
• Technical Info
  Leica Sl2 And Sigma 24-70 Lens 43 Mm 1/200 F/4.5 Iso 200
• Photo Date
  12 March 2023

Toikot, Takgogok, and Salomo, known as the Sikerei, are the spiritual leaders of the Mentawai tribe in Indonesia's Mentawai Islands. This tribe preserves its distinct language, culture, and traditions, passed down through generations for thousands of years. The Mentawai people deeply connect with nature, believing that everything possesses a spiritual essence. They live harmoniously with their environment, seeking forgiveness from spirits when hunting or harvesting plants. This reverence sustains their balanced and peaceful existence.