During the pre-independence era, cultural influence of foreign colonials and other islanders had systematically displaced or obliterated indigenous customs and religions. In postcolonial times, the Indonesian government supported this process of deletion with a decrees in 1954 that prohibited indigenous religions, effectively abolishing tattooing and other customs.[2]
The traditional knife of the Mentawai people is called Palitai, while their traditional shield is called Kurabit.[3]
Men hunt wild pigs, deer and primates. Women and children gather wild yams and other wild food. Small animals are hunted by women. The Mentawai people keep pigs, dogs, monkeys and sometimes chickens as pets.
Surfaid is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of Mentawain people.
Popular culture[edit]