This was probably one of the most complicated photos I took while at the Mt. Hagen Festival in Papua New Guinea. This young man is part of the Erima tribe. And while most of the tribespeople at the show (there were about 70 groups in all) weren’t exactly effusive, grinning from ear to ear, there was definitely a feeling that taking their photo gave them a sense of pride. Not so much with the Erima.
While the young man above was indeed posing for me, I think that if I met him in the jungles of PNG, I’d want to run for my life. And there’s no doubt who would win!
So the photo above is a setup, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something very real about where that arrow was pointed.
I realize I’m making a blanket statement about a culture and tribe that I know little about. (The truth is that the world likely knows little about the Erima – go ahead Google it!) But I can tell you that I definitely got a different vibe from this tribe than from any other group at the show.
Check out my complete photo gallery of Papua New Guinea.
See more lovely photos at DeliciousBaby’s Photo Friday!
Travel Well!
Beth
Related Links
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I would run too especially if his arrow points in my direction. 🙂
Beautiful photos! They do look very natural even though the one is a pose.
Lovely, lovely, lovely. I have to ask, though: Do people still really dress like that or is it more to attract tourists than anything else? I’ve heard the latter, but I’ve never been there so I wouldn’t know…
Great photo, Beth. Did you “ask” via interpreters? Were they offered anything in return for the photo? I remember when I was in Tibet…Tibetans were not keen on having their photos taken and the one or two head shots I got, Ia asked permission and then offered to pay them a few dollars for the privilege. In some cultures photography of people or living things is taboo…almost like stealing their soul.
Hi All – Great questions for Beth! Thought I would chime in with some answers…
Camels & Chocolate – In some parts of Papua New Guinea people still do dress ‘traditionally’ for ceremonies and sing sings and even some elements are worn day to day. For example in the Huli Wigman of the highlands will still wear their wigs on a daily basis as it represents status in their community. Most interestingly Papua New Guinean’s do not provide sing sings for the benefit of the tourists but rather to share their traditions with one another. There are over 800 diverse tribes in Papua New Guinea and a sing sing is a way of sharing their stories and traditions.
Beth Shepherd – Interesting question! I have traveled all over Papua New Guinea and only came across one instance where payment is required for photographs. This is in the Sepik area where they still practice Scarification. The practice of marking the body with Crocodile or Luna scars (dependent on male or female initiate). In this area they will ask for two Kina (approximately 75c) per photo and in-doing so generate income for the new initiates to start their adult life. In any culture it’s always polite to ask to take a photo and really you will fine no keener subject than someone from Papua New Guinea!!!