Yamdena

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Yamdena
Geography
Location	South East Asia
Coordinates	7°35′S, 131°36′E
Archipelago	Tanimbar Islands
Administration
Indonesia

Yamdena (also spelt Jamdena during the Dutch period) is the largest of the Tanimbar Islands in Maluku Province of Indonesia. The Yamdena language is spoken on and around the island. The island has a range of thickly forested hills along its eastern coast, while its western coast is lower. Saumlaki is the chief town, located on the south end of the island.

The forests are inhabited by wild Water Buffalo (kerbau).

The island is famous for the traditional lifestyle. Christianity is the main religion, but ancestor worship is still practised.

Handicrafts: Woodcarving, fine goldwork, Ikat weaving (mainly on nearby Selaru Island).

Megalith: In the village of Sangliat Dol there is an antique stairway that leads to a boat shaped stone platform.^{[citation needed]} There are several similar ones but less preserved sites on the island.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Gallery

Stone Stair Case leading from the beach in the village of Songliat Dol, East Yamdena	Stone Boat used for Ancestor worship ceremonies in Songliat Dol, East Yamdena	Motifs on the Stone Boat of Sangliat Dol, East Yamdena	Christ Statue at Weluan Beach, reflecting the regions stong Christianity
Saumlaki Harbour, the principal port for Yamdena and the Tanimbar Islands

[edit] References

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