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Claudio Sieber

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  • A relative of Nene Datu who passed away in 1982 snaps a selfie of Nene Datu, Yuanita (right) and Jambang (left). Nene Datu will be burried later on together with her dauthter Polina (died 2nd), and Dani (died 3rd) all together in the same coffin. Ma'Nene is always a good occasion for younger relatives to meet their ancestors for the first time - and of course, to take some selfies with them. While post mortem photography is a disappearing culture (or already lost culture) within most developed countries, in certain parts of Toraja this tradition has been be preserved well over the years.
    Indonesia-Toraja-Panggala_Manene-Nen...jpg
  • Indonesia - Sulawesi - Tana Toraja. Graveyard in Panggala, Rindigallo.<br />
<br />
A relative of Nene Datu who passed away in 1982 snaps a selfie of Nene Datu, Yuanita (right) and Jambang (left). Nene Datu will be burried later on together with her dauthter Polina (died 2nd), and Dani (died 3rd) all together in the same coffin. Ma'Nene is always a good occasion for younger relatives to meet their ancestors for the first time - and of course, to take some selfies with them. While post mortem photography is a disappearing culture (or already lost culture) within most developed countries, in certain parts of Toraja this tradition has been be preserved well over the years.
    Indonesia-Toraja-Panggala_Manene-Nen...jpg
  • A lamafa is very close to the sperm whale and makes himself ready to jump. This whaler will be unsuccessful. Whale hunting is extremely exhausting and stressful.<br />
<br />
„Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-153.jpg
  • A lamafa is very close to the sperm whale and makes himself ready to jump. This whaler will be unsuccessful. Whale hunting is extremely exhausting and stressful.<br />
<br />
„Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-151.jpg
  • Indonesia - Sulawesi - Tana Toraja. Graveyard in Panggala, Rindigallo.<br />
<br />
Yuanita snaps a selfie with her relative Allo Pongsitammu who passed away roughly 20 years ago. Ma'Nene is always a good occasion for younger relatives to meet their ancestors for the first time - and of course, to take some selfies with them. While post mortem photography is a disappearing culture (or already lost culture) within most developed countries, in certain parts of Toraja this tradition has been be preserved well over the years.<br />
<br />
Group photos with dead granny, or with the<br />
dead granny and the dead cousin, or with dead granny and the dead cousin and the dead guy that granny never really liked.
    Indonesia-Toraja-Panggala_Manene-All...jpg
  • A lamafa is very close to the sperm whale and makes himself ready to jump. This whaler will be unsuccessful. Whale hunting is extremely exhausting and stressful.<br />
<br />
„Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-150.jpg
  • On the assistance-boat. not the traditional boat. they are helping the others to get closer instead of paddling. but when close enough, the traditional boat will be paddled <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-182.jpg
  • On the assistance-boat. not the traditional boat. they are helping the others to get closer instead of paddling. but when close enough, the traditional boat will be paddled <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-179.jpg
  • On the assistance-boat. not the traditional boat. they are helping the others to get closer instead of paddling. but when close enough, the traditional boat will be paddled <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-177.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-162.jpg
  • A boy is watching the teeth of a shark up close. <br />
<br />
Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-101.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-66.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-704.jpg
  • Most crews won’t leave shore without sprinkling their boat with some blessed water at first, followed by a prayer to God the Almighty, Mother Mary and their ancestors. Usually they leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon. <br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-672.jpg
  • Most crews won’t leave shore without sprinkling their boat with some blessed water at first, followed by a prayer to God the Almighty, Mother Mary and their ancestors. Usually they leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon. <br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-670.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-419.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-420.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-418.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-411.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-409.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-405.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-399.jpg
  • Sunset - Lamalera Village<br />
___<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-246.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-176.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-175.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-174.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-171.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-170.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-168.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-167.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-161.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-163.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-154.jpg
  • A lamafa is very close to the sperm whale and makes himself ready to jump. This whaler will be unsuccessful. Whale hunting is extremely exhausting and stressful.<br />
<br />
„Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-148.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-133.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-131.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-130.jpg
  • Sunset - Lamalera Village<br />
___<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-115.jpg
  • Sunset - Lamalera Village<br />
___<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-112.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-109.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-104.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-108.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-82.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-73.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-72.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-60.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-61.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-65.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-52.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-41.jpg
  • The dead babies have no name, in Torajan they call it "lai" which doesn't refer to a name, but to a female child. The baby boy they call "tato" (baby boy). This is because it has not grown teeth yet... During Ma'Nene every relative aims to hold it and to take selfies with the babies. It is about greater love, and for the Torajans, nothing extraordinary<br />
<br />
Ma'Nene is always a good occasion for younger relatives to meet their ancestors for the first time - and of course, to take some selfies with them. While post mortem photography is a disappearing culture (or already lost culture) within most developed countries, in certain parts of Toraja this tradition has been be preserved well over the years.
    Indonesia-Toraja-Panggala_Manene-Jul...jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-673.jpg
  • Petrus Glau Blikolulong (Papa Petro) – Lamafa by heart<br />
<br />
21 years ago I’ve speared my first whale, since then I claim the title of a Lamafa. My ability to go out to sea and pursue a whale is what makes me feel complete. Because it brings life to my family. I feel content and excited when seeking for the whale, not necessarily part of harpooning, but the effort of hunting whether I succeed or not. Being 45 years old I’m a bit young to retire but my brother Antonis Glakais has just killed a whale, so he’s officially allowed to take my position by next year. I have 4 children, all girls. So it’s great Antonis will keep up the Lamafa tradition within our family. I will still be out with Antonis and the crew regurlarly to pursue the mentorship, whilst the heaviness of responsibility will shift to my brother. Well, we do use motorboats since roughly 20 years. These „Johnson“ help to drag the Paledang (traditional boats) offshore once a whale is sighted, but we also go fishing with them daily. It needs to be said, that the number of sperm whales we annualy catch has not increased ever since. It’s just more relaxed and easy, because we don’t need to hoise a sail, nor do we have to row around all day long. We know what the conservationists are up to. But we here in Lamalera have a life, and we simply don’t accept people who come in and can’t understand what this is all about – This here is survival!
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-492.jpg
  • Petrus Glau Blikolulong (Papa Petro) – Lamafa by heart<br />
<br />
21 years ago I’ve speared my first whale, since then I claim the title of a Lamafa. My ability to go out to sea and pursue a whale is what makes me feel complete. Because it brings life to my family. I feel content and excited when seeking for the whale, not necessarily part of harpooning, but the effort of hunting whether I succeed or not. Being 45 years old I’m a bit young to retire but my brother Antonis Glakais has just killed a whale, so he’s officially allowed to take my position by next year. I have 4 children, all girls. So it’s great Antonis will keep up the Lamafa tradition within our family. I will still be out with Antonis and the crew regurlarly to pursue the mentorship, whilst the heaviness of responsibility will shift to my brother. Well, we do use motorboats since roughly 20 years. These „Johnson“ help to drag the Paledang (traditional boats) offshore once a whale is sighted, but we also go fishing with them daily. It needs to be said, that the number of sperm whales we annualy catch has not increased ever since. It’s just more relaxed and easy, because we don’t need to hoise a sail, nor do we have to row around all day long. We know what the conservationists are up to. But we here in Lamalera have a life, and we simply don’t accept people who come in and can’t understand what this is all about – This here is survival!
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-489.jpg
  • Petrus Glau Blikolulong (Papa Petro) – Lamafa by heart<br />
<br />
21 years ago I’ve speared my first whale, since then I claim the title of a Lamafa. My ability to go out to sea and pursue a whale is what makes me feel complete. Because it brings life to my family. I feel content and excited when seeking for the whale, not necessarily part of harpooning, but the effort of hunting whether I succeed or not. Being 45 years old I’m a bit young to retire but my brother Antonis Glakais has just killed a whale, so he’s officially allowed to take my position by next year. I have 4 children, all girls. So it’s great Antonis will keep up the Lamafa tradition within our family. I will still be out with Antonis and the crew regurlarly to pursue the mentorship, whilst the heaviness of responsibility will shift to my brother. Well, we do use motorboats since roughly 20 years. These „Johnson“ help to drag the Paledang (traditional boats) offshore once a whale is sighted, but we also go fishing with them daily. It needs to be said, that the number of sperm whales we annualy catch has not increased ever since. It’s just more relaxed and easy, because we don’t need to hoise a sail, nor do we have to row around all day long. We know what the conservationists are up to. But we here in Lamalera have a life, and we simply don’t accept people who come in and can’t understand what this is all about – This here is survival!
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-485.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-415.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-404.jpg
  • Sunset - Lamalera Village<br />
___<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-245.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-212.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-202.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-210.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-203.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-181.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-180.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-173.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-172.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-169.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-166.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-165.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-164.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-157.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-155.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-152.jpg
  • A lamafa is very close to the sperm whale and makes himself ready to jump. This whaler will be unsuccessful. Whale hunting is extremely exhausting and stressful.<br />
<br />
„Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-147.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-141.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-135.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-134.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-128.jpg
  • „Ba leo, Ba leo! – Carry the rope!“ (call for the Lamalerans to set off for a whale hunt) - Once a whale is spotted, there is a mad sprint to the beach where the traditional Paledang boats will be immediately taken to the sea once the clans reached shore. <br />
<br />
This is the crew of Petrus Glau Blikolulong „Papa Petro“ – a highly respected Lamafa for 21 years. Experienced Lamafa like Papa Petro enjoy the tremendous appreciation of the whole village, as they shoulder a weighty responsibility for the community. The Lamafa tradition is handed over within the 10 clans, though within the main family if possible. „Usu Teti Lepe Hau – I come from Lepe island“, is written on the whale-craft. The name refers to a real island where their ancestors have dropped anchor hundreds of years ago before eventually settling in Lamalera. They might have fancied a life on Lepe, but the island disappeard because of a Tusnami. Whilst we’re being dragged from the Johnson, Papa Petrus persistently sharpens the hook until he claims it to be spicky enough and stuffs it onto the 4 meter long bamboo cane. When being close enough - we let go the rope which connects us to the engine-powered boat and approach the giant by rowing as to remain in long-established boundaries. Eyes on the now appearing black back of the toothed predator, we are slowly inching forward. Then there is this flawless silence, as the whale’s side seem to be close enough – Having the harpoon ready, Papa Petro awaits the right moment, and finally leaps off, using the force of his own body weight and the iron tip of the bamboo harpoon to pierce the thick skin of the sperm whale. If the Lamafa is successful, the boat will be connected to the whale by a „Leo“ at the end of the harpoon. <br />
<br />
Petrus pierced the whale’s flesh, but its tail somehow shook off the harpoon – Thus the wounded whale contrived to escape and is now on the loose. The Johnson crew hurries back and we start chasing the whale once again.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-123.jpg
  • Sunset - Lamalera Village<br />
___<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-117.jpg
  • Sunset - Lamalera Village<br />
___<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-113.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-107.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-105.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-96.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-95.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-94.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-89.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-87.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-86.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-84.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-81.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-78.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-79.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-76.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-74.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-69.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-68.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-59.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-54.jpg
  • Hunt and Landing. Usually the fishermen/ whalers leave in the morning around 6 am, and return in the late afternoon to land their catch which they spear with hands-on bamboo harpoons (manta rays, dolphins, sharks, turtles) smaller fish will be caught by nets. Those who catch manta rays, sharks or dolphins only share the catch with the boat crew, whereas the whales will be shared among the community followed by strict rules. It's great teamwork, Everyone congregates to help pushing the "Johnsons" (engine boats) back into the shelters, even the youngest children.<br />
<br />
The clans inhabiting the tiny village of Lamalera, on the sunbaked Lembata island (Nusa Tenggara Timur Province) have been spearing and landing sperm whales by hand for at least six centuries. Traditional whaling is incredibly difficult and therefore an unpredictable path of day to day survival. But despite the ongoing economic and religous transition, the society of this tiny village has not lost a single bit of their pride nor their identity. And because the Lamalerans have been doing this since the dawn of time, they carry on, even with a permission from the Indonesian government – as long as they hunt for their own consumption and not for commercial sale. Most of the fishing tradition dates back way before the transcontinental Republic of Indonesia even existed. Historical tales indicate that the Lamalerans originated from Sulawesi, where they waded out with nets for mackerel or other small fish; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and and captured bigger prey; and at last, launching a small fleet of sailing boats on the Banda Sea, explored this watery world until they must have reached what is now Lamalera. The first European record of their existence is an anonymous Portuguese document from 1643.
    Indonesia-Lembata-Lamalera-31.jpg
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