Traces of Megalithic in Nias Island

Sunrise in Nias Island (about 125 km of west Sumatra Island on the Indian Ocean. It is part of North Sumatra Province, Indonesia). (Picture from: http://touristspot.ruvenga.com/)

Nias Island is an island with a unique culture and nature. On this island, customs, objects of culture, and traditions of the ancestors are still firmly held by the community. One of them relics of the megaliths, which still there in their neighborhood.

Sorake  Beach many regarded as the best surfing places second after the coast of Hawaii, USA. Sorake Beach is located on the island of Nias, precisely in Botohilitano Village, Teluk Dalam, South Nias district and Nias Island. (Picture from: http://triptourism.com/)

Heritage megaliths in Nias is most prevalent in South Nias, namely in Teluk Dalam District, about 120 kilometers from the capital city of Gunungsitoli. In the traditional village Bawomataluo can be found Hombo Batu, the tradition of high rock to jump more than 2 meters, as a venue for testing the physical and mental towards young adult men.

Ceremonial Jumping Stone of Nias Island. (Picture from: http://www.asiafinest.com/)

Stone for traditional societies Nias also be used as musical instruments, such as in game music Feta Batu. Rock instruments like percussion pounded it produces sounds pitched. Feta in Nias language means "clink".

Stone Statues outside a house in Ono Limbu, Nias Island. (Picture from: http://bobmckerrow.blogspot.com/)

Moving into the next traditional village, the Village Hiliamaetaniha, approximately 3 kilometers from Bawomataluo, there are many menhir are also be found at courtyard of its citizens. There is also a mold of the stone used the ancient people of Nias to print liquid gold to be jewelry.

About an hour drive from Hiliamaetaniha, there is a historic site in Nias, namely Tetegewo Megalith Site. According to the literature of the Nias Heritage Museum, this site is a page to entertain guests at parties. It makes sense, because there are so many look-shaped stone table arranged like for feast party. If you like mystery, come and visit Nias Island.

Megalith stone of Tundrumbaho was overgrown with grass. (Picture from: http://www.nias-bangkit.com/)

Unfortunately, the conditions of this site is not maintained. And worse, according to neighbors, the strangers who came several times to steal a number of tables of stone that reportedly sold abroad. An irony in the midst of natural beauty and culture of Nias. (This photo essay is part of Events *NIAS CULTURAL PASSAGE* held by INDONESIA NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC AND SONY IN NOVEMBER 2011.) *** [GUNAWAN WICAKSONO | KORAN TEMPO 3765]