As you twist and turn through the hills and paddies south of Waikabubak, not far from the village of Wanokaka, the traditional villages Waigalli and Praigolil exhibit monumental megalith headstones which have become symbols of the area, and indeed of Sumba.
-
Ad Book a cooking class in Ubud and
learn to cook your favourite dishes.
Fourteen kilometres south of Waikabubak, the small peak behind Rudy Backpacker is home to Waigalli (Weigalli) village. The local legend tells that this village was built by Ubu Palabang, the first inhabitant of Sumba, said to be responsible for implementing many traditional ceremonies still observed today, including the Pasola.
Tombs at Waigalli village, with one design used in the Sumba Foundation’s logo. Photo: Sally Arnold
Of the handful of interesting tombs here, the one of particular interest to tourists is the large rectangular headstone which has been incorporated into the logo of local NGO, The Sumba Foundation, associated with Nihiwatu Resort. As soon as we arrived in this village, we were surrounded by a group of women selling mini replicas of this stone — the potential of its interest to tourists is not lost on the locals.
Watu Kajiwa, Sumba’s “fleur-de-lys”, at Praigolil. Photo: Sally Arnold
Three kilometres further south, in Praigolil village, stands the Watu Kajiwa stone, Sumba’s “fleur-de-lys”. Fine detailed carvings adorn the unusually shaped gravestone. Several interpretations of its meaning have been offered, including that the figure at the top is emerging from a symbolic womb — a rebirth into Marapu heaven. Word is that this tomb conceals gold heirlooms that were hidden from Portuguese raiders prior to the owner’s death.
If you enjoyed this article and would like to support independent travel writing on Southeast Asia, please subscribe to Travelfish—it’s just A$35 per year (less than A$1 per week)!
By
Sally Arnold
.
Last updated on 22nd November, 2016.
Start planning your holiday today
Sent every Monday, our newsletter is full of travel advice, news & special deals. Read past issues.
Location map for Waigalli and Praigolil villages
/119.44918819,-9.72618258,13/960x400.png?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoidHJhdmVsZmlzaCIsImEiOiJSdGI5endFIn0.NFfNjYzAAn9OBSxs64ptJA)
Popular attractions in Wanokaka And Lamboya
A selection of some of our favourite sights and activities around Wanokaka And Lamboya.
Best places to stay in Wanokaka And Lamboya
A selection of some of our favourite places to stay in Wanokaka And Lamboya.
What next?
Browse our independent reviews of places to stay in and around Wanokaka And Lamboya.
Check out our listings of other things to do in and around Wanokaka And Lamboya.
Do you have travel insurance yet? If not, find out why you need it.
Planning on riding a scooter in Wanokaka And Lamboya? Please read this.
Browse tours in Indonesia with Tourradar.