Customary paint, 'Kiniu Sailuk', which is concocted using the dust of a crushed forest stone, soot, tree sap, and a small amount of pig skin oil, is applied to Sikerei (shamans) face during the occasion of a ceremony

In Mentawai culture, traditionally, if the parents separate the child must always live with the father, however, if there has been wrongdoing by the father - for instance marriage taboo's were broken, the child will instead live (for the most part) with the eldest male sibling or father of the mother

The Mentawai Sikerei (shaman), similar to those from many other Indigenous cultures, will mimic the behaviours of native animals and communicate stories through their ritual dances - 'muturut'

Willing its spirit to provide protection over the clan, the skulls of all animals sacrificed are rebound and hung inside the Uma

During gatherings, food - including pig, chicken, sweet potato, banana, sago, etc - will always be carefully portioned and shared amongst all members of the clan. Which will also include an offering made to the spirits, as a thanks for their safety and protection - 'pusurakat'

The clan 'longhouses', the Mentawai Uma, aside from being their 'central hub of cultural activity and existence', have been (hand) built to house up to eight or more families at any one time

During celebration Sikerei will perform song, dance and ritual throughout the entire night - which, depending on the occasion, can be anywhere from over one or two days to an entire month

It's common to see the young Mentawai children impersonate Sikerei during times of ceremony, particularly with traditional song, dance, and decoration