hot stuff
Mummification was a very important element of the Papuan culture, the preserved body of a village’s big man, an elder, chief or a great warrior was regarded as a link with ancestors. The process involved hanging the corpse in a specially build house over a fire, and smoking it continuously for up to a year. Indonesians regarded the tradition as barbaric, prohibited the procedure, confiscated and destroyed most of the mummies in the area. This is one of three survivors in the Baliem valley.
Photo: a real smoked Papuan 300 years old mummy.
Smoke and glow (embers) added digitally.
Baliem valley, 15 km from Wamena, Irian Jaya (Indonesian Papua).
Available for sale asGreeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters
Marion Cullen
Man! This is just awsesome. Damn creepy but.
Rosalie Dale IPA
Really graphic, but it is one of those images that I think we need to see. Thanks for sharing (clever PS work!).
Heather Rivet...
creepy!!!!!!!!!
Hippo
Fantastic. Love what you have done to this.
Roberta Murray
I hate it when other cultures try to impart their values on others. Ruins the uniqueness and variety that exists in the world. What I like is this image. Would love to see the full view without the gothic touches too!
Al Neaimi
wow what an image
LasTBreatH
this is an amazing capture of the culture.
amazing
LB
GabrielK
wow, awesome work
kaycheree
Wow!!