hot stuff

hot stuff by blepharopsis

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).

  • Lumineux

    Lumineux, 10 months ago

    Man! This is just awsesome. Damn creepy but.

  • Rosalie Dale IPA

    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  IPA

    Heather Rivet..., 10 months ago

    creepy!!!!!!!!!

  • Hippo

    Hippo, 10 months ago

    Fantastic. Love what you have done to this.

  • uncommondepth

    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

    Al Neaimi, 10 months ago

    wow what an image

  • LasTBreatH

    LasTBreatH, about 1 month ago

    this is an amazing capture of the culture.
    amazing
    LB

  • GabrielK

    GabrielK, about 1 month ago

    wow, awesome work

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