What You Should Know about Stone-Jumping in Nias, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Nias is another Indonesian ethnic group that lives in North Sumatra, once in the past in Nias Island. Nias people call themselves “Ono Niha” — Ono implies a posterity, Niha implies human — and Nias Island as “Tanö Niha” of which Tano means land. 

Nias is most popular for its exceptional decent varieties of celebrations and festivity relating to their way of life and culture; for example, war dances, stone-jumping commencement, the architecture of their house, and so on. And there are definitely a lot of things to do in Nias.

In this article, we will be focusing more on stone-jumping in Nias and what you should know about it.

1. What is Stone-Jumping? 

Stone-jumping or Fahombo is one of the specific traditions from Nias, which alludes to a masculinity culture that sees young men jumping over more than two meters of stone towers to their destiny. This tradition is done by a man who wears traditional clothes.

It is said that this tradition was originally made for testing the physical and emotional wellness of pubescent male who are currently moving toward their adulthood. Each man who is obliged to join a war should also pass this stone-jumping tradition. 

In any case, one thing to note is that the stone-jumping tradition is not found in every aspect of Nias and is just found in specific towns, for example, in the Teluk Dalam district. Also, one more thing, this convention must be trailed by men, and not the slightest bit grants ladies to attempt it since stone-jumping is a dexterity field that later when it prevails with regards to jumping splendidly, the individual will be set as a safeguard of their town when there is a debate with another town.

2. The History of Stone-Jumping 

Hundreds of years back, Nias Island was separated into a few areas controlled by landowners or warlords. It was anything but a hereditary position, nor was it picked up forcibly, but instead through amusement of the majority. 

Whoever tossed more groups known as “owasa” picked up the kindness of local communities and turned into their pioneer.  Be that as it may, sorting out these merry occasions did not come easy, and the island’s landowners would continually battle one another and utilize the crown jewels of war as subsidizing.

To begin a war, they required capable valiant men who needed to demonstrate their value at drafting difficulties. Turning into a soldier was major respect for the young men of Nias and earned them a higher societal position in the community.

However, physical traits and weapon dominance were insufficient to persuade their pioneers. They additionally needed to jump over a 2.3-meter-tall stone wall without touching it.

To make things much harder for applicants, the highest point of the impediment was secured with spikes and sharp bamboo sticks, and the hops frequently brought about real wounds and even deaths. As per a few sources, Hombo Stone was likewise a method for preparing soldiers to jump over walls during an attack and light the adversary’s camp on fire with lights. 

If you are interested in history, check out historical destinations in Aceh for travelers.

3. The Technique and Cultural Meaning 

The jumper doesn’t simply need to cross a heap of the stone, they likewise should have strategies when they are landing, provided that they arrive with an inappropriate position, it can cause muscle injury or broken bones. In the event that somebody has passed this tradition, the family members will hold Sukuran or pray for their child.

In the wake of passing this commencement, a man is viewed as proper to get wed or shield their town or join to assault an adversary town.  Culture-wise, there are also cultural temples in Central Java you should visit during your trip to Indonesia.

4. The Ability to Jump 

The capacity of young men jumping over the stone is not a simple thing. A child of Nias ought to have been training since at a very young age; that can be started from the age of 10 years old.

Nias children ought to figure out how to jump on the phase of the most minimum elevation to the degree of the greatest tallness which is 2 meters 10 centimeters.

5. Stone-Jumping in Modern Day 

The tradition of stone-jumping is still rehearsed today, minus the sharp spikes, yet unfortunately the ladies are progressively intrigued by men who possess a vehicle or a bike than by the individuals who can jump over the Hombo Stone. Nonetheless, it has additionally become a genuine scene for gaping travelers that want to see conventional ceremonies of another culture.

For travelers who want to visit this spot, stone-jumping in Nias is done by young men when a visitor makes a request. Afterward, you will see several attractive young men taking a square of the distance around ten meters.

While you are at it, do not forget to consider some reasons why you should visit Sumatera. Sumatra is a very big Island located in western Indonesia, find your best things to do in Sumatra.