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.

Two men of the Mentawai tribe use guns to hunt and forage for food.
Two men of the Mentawai tribe use guns to hunt and forage for food -|dailymail.co.uk
Lifelong wisdom An elderly Mentawai warrior lifts a large handrolled cigarette while sitting in his house furnished with the skulls of prey
Lifelong wisdom An elderly Mentawai warrior lifts a large handrolled cigarette while sitting in his house furnished with the skulls of prey | dailymail.co.uk
Familt unit A woman kneels on the wooded floor of the communal Uma, whilst fixing a handmade fishing -
Familt unit A woman kneels on the wooded floor of the communal Uma, whilst fixing a handmade fishing | dailymail.co.uk

 

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
Tranquility Two women of the tribe wear traditional handmade skirts to catch fish in the local river | dailymail.co.uk
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 together A young boy helps a woman to prepare what appears to be cassava or palm hearts as they stand in the river | dailymail.co.uk
All for oneThe Mentawaian's social life revolves around their clans, which vary in size between 30 to 80 members -
All for oneThe Mentawaian’s social life revolves around their clans, which vary in size between 30 to 80 members | dailymail.co.uk
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
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 | dailymail.co.uk
Short rest A Mentawai woman takes a cigarette break during a fishing expedition to the local river
Short rest A Mentawai woman takes a cigarette break during a fishing expedition to the local river | dailymail.co.uk
Mentawai warrior brandishes a machete knife and his hunting equipment as he prepares to go spear fishing
Mentawai warrior brandishes a machete knife and his hunting equipment as he prepares to go spear fishing | dailymail.co.uk
Gone fishing Two women of the tribe wear traditional skirts made from leaves as they go fishing using hand-held nets
Gone fishing Two women of the tribe wear traditional skirts made from leaves as they go fishing using hand-held nets | dailymail.co.uk
Making their mark The Mentawai people are famous for their decorative tattoo, seen here on an elderly warrior
Making their mark The Mentawai people are famous for their decorative tattoo, seen here on an elderly warrior | dailymail.co.uk
Generations An elderly Mentawai warrior shows a young boy how to fold what appears to be large palm or banana leaves
Generations An elderly Mentawai warrior shows a young boy how to fold what appears to be large palm or banana leaves | dailymail.co.uk
Community living One member of the Mentawai tribe walks through an area where fresh vegetables are grown
Community living One member of the Mentawai tribe walks through an area where fresh vegetables are grown | dailymail.co.uk
Taking a break A Mentaway warrior wearing traditional necklaces and a headband decorated with flowers sits by the river
Taking a break A Mentaway warrior wearing traditional necklaces and a headband decorated with flowers sits by the river | dailymail.co.uk
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
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 | dailymail.co.uk
Shot by professional photographer Mohammed Saleh Bin Dollah, these photos captures a glimpse of life on the island
Shot by professional photographer Mohammed Saleh Bin Dollah, these photos captures a glimpse of life on the island | dailymail.co.uk
One soul It is claimed that the tribe members believe that all living objects including plants are supposed to have spirits
One soul It is claimed that the tribe members believe that all living objects including plants are supposed to have spirits | dailymail.co.uk
Learning by doing Three young Mentawai boys play in the local river, setting fire to bamboo sticks
Learning by doing Three young Mentawai boys play in the local river, setting fire to bamboo sticks | dailymail.co.uk
Clan first A young family sit together and use natural resources to create essential items for their communal home
Clan first A young family sit together and use natural resources to create essential items for their communal home | dailymail.co.uk
One member of the Mentawai tribe uses a large handmade bow and arrow to hunt and forage for food
One member of the Mentawai tribe uses a large handmade bow and arrow to hunt and forage for food | dailymail.co.uk
Decorated A Mentawai warrior smokes whilst wearing traditional head piece and accessories
Decorated A Mentawai warrior smokes whilst wearing traditional head piece and accessories | dailymail.co.uk
Learning craft Two children watch as an elderly woman repairs handheld fishing nets in their communal hut
Learning craft Two children watch as an elderly woman repairs handheld fishing nets in their communal hut | dailymail.co.uk

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