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The shamans continue their ritual on the beach by invoking the spirits of the ancestors near a particular boulder, by placing betel nuts as offerings on the boulder. In the presence of the ancestral spirits, each shaman is asked by the others if he has performed the rituals in his responsibility in preparation for the nyale arrival. The Marapu religion is one that requires participation from shamans in the entire area in order for the rituals to be conducted properly. Only after each shaman has completed his rituals can the Pasola happen. RNS photo by Alexandra Radu

Kit Doyle

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