Anakalang, Megalithic burial site in Sumba Island, Indonesia
Anakalang is an archaeological site on Sumba Island containing numerous stone burial monuments with intricately carved vertical slabs. The carvings depict scenes from the lives of local leaders and reflect the artistic traditions practiced across the region.
The Kingdom of Anakalang was established in 1880 under Umbu Dongu Ubini Mesa, marking the beginning of organized rule in this region. This founding event shaped the political and social development of Sumba Island for generations to come.
Local communities carry out ceremonies where hundreds of men work together to move massive limestone slabs for funeral monuments. These collective rituals remain central to how people express respect for their ancestors and mark important life transitions.
The site is located roughly 115 kilometers west of Waingapu and is accessible by regular bus services. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven and many paths between the monuments are unpaved.
The Umba Saola tomb in Gallubakul weighs around 70 metric tons and was transported across 3 kilometers to its current location. This feat shows the remarkable engineering capability of earlier inhabitants when moving heavy stone blocks.
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