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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 as Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters

Lumineux, 10 months ago
Man! This is just awsesome. Damn creepy but.
Rosalie Dale IPA, 10 months ago
Really graphic, but it is one of those images that I think we need to see. Thanks for sharing (clever PS work!).
Heather Rivet..., 10 months ago
creepy!!!!!!!!!
Hippo, 10 months ago
Fantastic. Love what you have done to this.
uncommondepth, 10 months ago
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, 10 months ago
wow what an image
LasTBreatH, about 1 month ago
this is an amazing capture of the culture.
amazing
LB
GabrielK, about 1 month ago
wow, awesome work