The island of Sumba also known as Humba is a small island within the Indonesian archipelago, but is one of the largest islands in the Lesser Sunda Islands, in the East Nusa Tenggara Region of Indonesia. Sumba is one of the most unique places within the Indonesian archipelago, with amazing landscapes, distinctive culture and beliefs, and exceptional textile arts that brought me to this island a few years ago.

Whilst culture and tradition around the world are changing and eroding fast, Sumba culture and tradition are very much alive. In a country where Islam is constantly expanding, Sumba remains strong with its Marapu belief. Marapu is a belief that connects the Sumbanese with their ancestral spirits to create a balanced and harmonious life on earth. To maintain their connection to their ancestors and to keep the spirit appeased, elaborate ceremonies and sacrifices are made, despite poverty and hardship.