Mentawaian, Siberut in Indonesia

Introduction / History

The Mentawaian tribe migrated to the Mentawai Islands from Nias Island and lived isolated from other peoples for hundreds of years. They were discovered by the Dutch colonizers in 1621. Today they live mainly in Sulawesi Island but some live on Sumatra. One of their subgroups is the Siberut.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Mentawaian tribe lives with very little in the way of worldly goods. Men wear only a loincloth and the women wear a grass skirt. They use much body paint and tattoos to enhance their looks.

They live in wooden houses with grass or palm frond ceilings. Around the edges they string up the skulls of the animals they have killed in hunts. These homes are called “uma,” and they house entire clans. Each bed includes a mosquito net.

Mentawaian diet is mainly fish and sago, but they also eat bush meat. The men love to hunt, and they prepare poisoned arrows that kill their prey almost instantly. When they make a kill, they apologize to the spirit of their prey.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Mentawaian people have animistic beliefs, which explains why they apologize to the spirit of the deer or monkey they just killed for food. They believe each living thing contains a spirit.

Though they are Christianized, their animstic beliefs date back hundreds of years.

What Are Their Needs?

There will come a time when the Siberut Mentawaian people are forced to live outside their homeland. When that happens, they will need someone to train them in new job skills. Before that, they need medical clinics.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Siberut Menawaian people to put their faith in Jesus Christ rather than the spirit world.
Pray for the Lord to raise up many who love the Lord who are willing to disciple others.
Pray for a spiritual revival that will bless the Siberut Mentawaian people in every way.

Text Source:   Joshua Project