Sumba is an east-Indonesian island, located south-east of Bali. It is an island clothed in mystery, and known for centuries as the Sandalwood Island. Sandalwood was the only known cure for many diseases until penicillin was invented. The Sumbanese traded with the Chinese until the 16th century, after which the Arabs became the most important trading partner until the early 20th century.

In the early days the people of Sumba were an advanced civilization. Sandalwood and other medical woods were traded for fine ceramics etc. Today little is left to show of past civilizations. Marapu or animism was practiced until missionaries converted most East Sumbanese. Only during royal funerals can you get a glance at Marapu in practice.