Suku Kei-Kei Tribe

When visiting Kei, it's essential to honor the Kei culture and its traditional customs. Many sites are considered taboo, which means you cannot visit without permission. It's crucial to wear proper clothing, and there should be no crying, insults, sexual behavior, or loud noises. 

What should you do? 

First, ask for permission from the leader of the Kei tribe. Organize offerings before traveling to some of the islands or mountains.

Currently, the Kei people have largely embraced religions such as Islam or Christianity, with the majority being Catholic. However, among the Tanimbar Kei tribe living on the island of Tanimbar Kei, Hinduism remains predominant, reflecting their ancestors' origins from Bali. Nevertheless, many still hold onto Kei culture by believing in spirits and magical powers derived from traditional customs of their forebears. These spirits, referred to as mitu, are believed to influence happiness or calamities. The outcomes of harvests, whether bountiful or meager, are attributed to the power of mitu. As part of their traditional practices, the Kei people conduct small family ceremonies and an annual mass called 'cleaning of the ohoi,' which is known in their community as sob-sob. Mitu can also be harnessed by individuals through magical practices called suanggi. According to Yong Ohoitimur, the native religion of Kei encompasses elements of animism, magic, and totemism.