 A Sakuddei shaman (sikerei) in Siberut Island, Mentawai Islands. | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
 Indonesia (Siberut Island, Mentawai Islands) | |
| Languages | |
| Mentawai language, Indonesian | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity, Animism, Shamanism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Mentawai people |
The Sakuddei or Sabiroet people are an ethnic group, one of at least eleven, on the island of Siberut, Indonesia. Siberut is the northernmost of the Mentawai Islands which are located 130 km (81 mi) to the west off the coast of Sumatra. The Sakuddei live in south-central Siberut in an egalitarian society, cut off from the outside world. They speak a dialect of the Malayo-Polynesian Mentawai language.
Their society has been described as classless, egalitarian, without leadership and warfare and with equality among men and women. They are described as living in peaceful harmony with their environment and with other groups.[1][2] According to Bakker (2007), the Sakuddei have commonly avoided modernization campaigns by retreating into Siberut's interior.[3]
- ^ "The Sakuddei of Indonesia, Disappearing World series, Produced by Granada Television International". filmakers.com. 1987. Retrieved 30 October 2010.
- ^ "Can Siberut Be Saved?". Cultural Survival. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
- ^ Bakker, Laurens (2007). "Foreign images in Mentawai Authenticity and the exotic". Bijdragen tot de Taal-, Land- en Volkenkunde. 163 (2/3). Koninklijk Instituut voor Taal-, Land- en Volkenkunde: 279.