These
stunning images document the everyday lives of the men, women and
children of the Mentawai tribe, an indigenous people in Indonesia that
has managed to keep their traditional ways, far from modern society.
The
Mentawai people, a native population in Indonesia, are famous for their
decorative tattoos and for living a semi-nomadic life on the Mentawai
Islands in West Sumatra.
Shot
by professional photographer Mohammed Saleh Bin Dollah, the series
captures a glimpse of life on the island, where the tribe clan is
everything and any problem can be solved by a medicine man.
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Inside the tribe: Two men of the Mentawai tribe, a native population in Indonesia, use guns to hunt and forage for food
Lifelong wisdom: An elderly Mentawai
warrior lifts a large handrolled cigarette while sitting in his house
furnished with the skulls of prey
Familt unit: A woman kneels on the wooded floor of the communal Uma, whilst fixing a handmade fishing
The 42-year-old photographer from Kelantan, Malaysia, visited the tribe to document their way of life.
He said: 'They all live completely in land and secluded from the modern world.
'The
woman walk around with no clothes on and their lives depend entirely on
natural resources. I wanted to go to the island to showcase the everyday
lives of the tribe.'
The
tribe consists of around 64,000 people, living in homes which are known
as Umas and built using bamboo, wood and grass, and are furnished with
the skulls of hunted prey.
The
Mentawaian's social life revolves around their clans, and at the centre
is the communal long house. The clans vary in size between 30 to 80
members.
It is claimed that the tribe members believe that all living objects including plants are supposed to have spirits.
The
only specialist in the community is the medicine man that is
responsible for communication with the spirits and the souls - in case
of misfortune or illness, he is called in to restore harmony within the
group.
Professional snapper Mohammed was fortunate enough to spend some time with the Mentawai Warriors during the month of July 2014.
'I
was very lucky to receive the opportunity to take these photos when I
was helping out a friend who actually one lived with the Mentawai people
for a period of time,' he said.
'Most of the men in the tribe are regarded as heroes, everyone on the island is very happy.
'They love it when people from the outside world come to visit because they like to show their way of living and their island.'
Tranquility: Two women of the tribe wear traditional handmade skirts to catch fish in the local river
All together: A young boy helps a woman to prepare what appears to be cassava or palm hearts as they stand in the river
All for one:The Mentawaian's social life revolves around their clans, which vary in size between 30 to 80 members.
One for all, all for one: At the centre of life in a Mentawai clan is the communal long hous, where they all live together
Short rest: A Mentawai woman takes a cigarette break during a fishing expedition to the local river
A Mentawai warrior brandishes a machete knife and his hunting equipment as he prepares to go spear fishing
Gone fishing: Two women of the tribe wear traditional skirts made from leaves as they go fishing using hand-held nets
Making their mark: The Mentawai people are famous for their decorative tattoo, seen here on an elderly warrior
Generations: An elderly Mentawai warrior shows a young boy how to fold what appears to be large palm or banana leaves
Community living: One member of the Mentawai tribe walks through an area where fresh vegetables are grown
Taking a break: A Mentaway warrior wearing traditional necklaces and a headband decorated with flowers sits by the river
The series captures a glimpse of life
on the island as the Mentawai men smoke and hunt for food and the
children play in the river
Shot by professional photographer Mohammed Saleh Bin Dollah, these photos captures a glimpse of life on the island
One soul: It is claimed that the tribe members believe that all living objects including plants are supposed to have spirits
Learning by doing: Three young Mentawai boys play in the local river, setting fire to bamboo sticks
Clan first: A young family sit together and use natural resources to create essential items for their communal home
One member of the Mentawai tribe uses a large handmade bow and arrow to hunt and forage for food
Decorated: A Mentawai warrior smokes whilst wearing traditional head piece and accessories
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