The Headless Nias Slave

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

The legend about hunting for human heads in Nias has been narrated for many centuries. The beautiful island full of coconut trees (Nias is in the province of North Sumatra) has many interesting footprints from the past. The megalithic villages are full of carved stones. The tradition of hombo batu (jumping over stones) is compulsory for every male who is getting married or who is going to war. Similarly, hunting for human heads is a tradition which has not yet been eradicated by modernity.

Tempo journalist Nurlis E. Meuko explored the hinterland of Nias last December and recorded the remaining traditions.

The following is his report.

. tempo : 173519034090.

Bare-chested, his right hand gripped a three-edged spear, his left hand pulled a rope tied to a white pig. A long sword hung from his waist. He constantly chewed betel, and once in a while spat red fluid on the street leaving blood-like residue on his lips. This is typical of the man one sees in the interior hinterland of Nias.

Men are everywhere; on the streets, in the market place. There are of course women in public places. Of these, most are

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