What is pasola?

Pasola is a traditional game played by the Sumba people of Indonesia. It is a type of mounted spear-fighting game that is held as part of the annual harvest festival, called Wula Podu. The game involves two teams of horsemen who ride towards each other while throwing blunt wooden spears at their opponents.

Pasola is believed to have originated as a way for the Sumba people to settle disputes and conflicts between tribes. Today, it is primarily played for entertainment and as a way to celebrate the harvest season.

The word "pasola" is derived from the local word "sola," which means spear. The game is considered to be a highly spiritual and symbolic activity, with participants often invoking ancestral spirits and performing rituals to ensure success in the game.

Pasola is often accompanied by traditional music and dance, and spectators gather to watch the spectacle. The game requires skill, agility, and courage, as participants must ride at high speeds and accurately throw their spears at their opponents.

While pasola is an exciting and culturally significant game, it can also be dangerous, as participants can suffer injuries from falling off their horses or being hit by a spear. Despite the risks, pasola remains an important tradition for the Sumba people and a key element of their cultural identity.