Portrait of Nias Tribe | War Culture in Indonesia
Nias island is located in west side of Sumatra island. If we talk about Nias, the first thing is always “stone jumping”. But behind that, there’s a story about war tradition in the island. The war story from the most feared village in history of Nias island, The Bawōmataluo village.
Bawōmataluo village is located in Telukdalam regency and built in highland of Nias island around 270 meters above sea level. Previousely Bawōmataluo village led by a very kind king, currently the village led by king's descendants. In history, Bawōmataluo village has a tradition of sustainable war between villages bacause competition for land and women’s problem factors. Because of that, a king form and train soldiers for protect their village and the land from enemy attack.
Bawōmataluo village have a group of soldiers equipped by traditional uniform for protect her body from attack. They used spear, sword, and shield for war, and then their uniform full of protections. The attributes full of story about their belief, everything made from traditional materials and supernatural powers.
I make a portrait of soldier in Bawōmataluo village with their traditional uniform that used for war. They believe if he used the uniform, they feels strong and brave. They will go to war with king and family permission also.
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