Mentawai People Hold Inauguration Ritual For New Sikerei

MENTAWAI, WEST SUMATRA, INDONESIA - MAY 26: A dog sits infront of kitchen dor during Inauguration Ritual for Aman Gotdai as a New Sikerei on May 26, 2014 in Butui Village, Siberut Island, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Sikerei (Mentawai Shaman) is the leader of the traditional rituals of the Mentawai people. Their religion, which is known as the 'Arat Sabulungan', is the belief in the power of leaves and is considered to represent the forces of kindness (Ketcat Simaeru) and the forces of evil (ketcat sikatai). The Sikerei plays a vital role in the Mentawai tribe because of their abillity to heal sickness and also communicate with the ancestor and the spirit of the nature around them. According to a Sikerei from Butui Village, Aman LauLau (70), being a Sikerei isn't a coercion but a heart allure. To become a Sikerei is a huge honour within the tribe and requires dedication to learning the ways of the tribe and understanding how to communicate with the spirits of the forest through Sikeri poems and dance rituals. 28 years old Aman LauLau's son, Aman Gotdai decided to became a Sikerei: "i want to follow the path of my father and my brother Aman Lepon", said Aman Gotdai. Nowadays, with the influences of modern culture, it is becoming harder for the Mentawai people to find those who are willing to become Sikerei. (Photo by Agung Parameswara/Getty Images)