Mentawai Culture and Beauty Practices

In the remote Sumatran archipelago, the Mentawai people hold unique ideals of beauty, emphasizing the balance between body and soul. According to their legend, humans and spirits were once united, and a soul unhappy with its body may leave, causing death. To prevent this, they use tattoos and tooth filing as body adornments. While external influences have altered some customs, tooth filing remains a significant, albeit optional, rite. The ritual involves sharpening teeth without anesthetic, guided by a shaman. Despite the pain, participants like Kalonji, a village chief's wife, undergo the procedure to enhance beauty and maintain spiritual balance.

What is the primary reason the Mentawai people focus on beauty?

• To attract tourists

• To maintain balance between body and soul

• To follow modern fashion trends

• To compete with other tribes

What does the Mentawai legend say about humans and spirits?

• They will never reunite

• They are unrelated

• They split at the dawn of time

• They were always separate

What is one traditional method the Mentawai use to prevent the soul from wandering?

• Singing songs

• Wearing colorful clothes

• Dancing rituals

• Tattooing the body

Why has tooth filing become optional in Mentawai culture?

• High cost of the procedure

• Lack of skilled shamans

• Because of outside influences

• Due to health concerns

What influenced Kalonji's decision to undergo tooth filing?

• Her personal desire for beauty

• A village tradition

• Pressure from her family

• Her husband's new status

What is the role of the shaman in the tooth filing ritual?

• To sing traditional songs

• To sharpen the tools and perform the procedure

• To guide the spirits

• To provide anesthetic

What is a potential consequence of the tooth filing procedure?

• Shortened lifespan of teeth

• Improved dental health

• Increased social status

• Enhanced spiritual connection

How does Kalonji feel after the tooth filing ritual?

• Angry and upset

• Regretful and in pain

• Relieved and happy

• Indifferent

What does Kalonji believe her new appearance will achieve?

• Gain wealth

• Become a village leader

• Strengthen her marriage

• Attract new friends

What is the ultimate goal of beauty practices in Mentawai culture?

• To keep the soul in balance

• To win beauty contests

• To maintain social harmony

• To impress neighboring tribes