Nias culture

The people of Nias, the Ono Niha, have a culture unlike any other in Indonesia. Their villages, stone monuments and ceremonies tell the story of an island society organised around clans, feasts and courage. A visit to a traditional village is a highlight of any trip.

Megaliths and feasts of merit

For centuries, families in Nias raised great carved stones to mark important feasts, when a family gained status by feeding the whole village. Stone seats, upright pillars and stone tables still stand in front of the houses in many villages, especially in the south and centre of the island.

Omo hada: the traditional houses

Traditional houses (omo hada) stand on heavy wooden pillars, with tall roofs and carved fronts. They were built without nails, and their flexible structure is well suited to an island of earthquakes. The chief's house (omo sebua) is the largest and most decorated. In the south, villages such as Bawömataluo keep long rows of these houses facing a stone-paved square.

Hombo batu: the stone jumping

Young men run, step on a small stone and leap over a stone tower about two metres high. The jump, called hombo batu or fahombo, was once a test of courage and readiness for battle, and a sign that a young man had come of age. Today it is performed during ceremonies and for visitors, mostly in South Nias.

Faluaya: the war dance

In the faluaya (also fatele), dancers in colourful costumes with shields and spears move in formation to chants and drums, re-enacting the preparations for battle between villages. Performances are usually arranged for celebrations and groups.

Ya'ahowu: visiting respectfully

• Greet people with Ya'ahowu: it means something like "may you be blessed"

• Dress modestly in villages: cover shoulders and knees

• Ask before you photograph people or enter a house, and accept a no with a smile

• Use your right hand to give and receive

• Remove your shoes when you are invited into a home

• Sunday is church day for most families: villages are quieter, and some activities pause

Our day trip to Sorake and Bawömataluo combines the famous wave with a visit to the village. Ask us to arrange a guide who can explain the history.