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Images: People of Baliem
âA festival offers a unique glimpse into the life of tribal peopleâWords and Photos Agung ParameswaraBaliem Valley is nestled in the central highlands of Papua, lying at an altitude of about 1,800 meters above sea level and surrounded by a crest of steep green mountains
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'A festival offers a unique glimpse into the life of tribal people'
Words and Photos Agung Parameswara
Baliem Valley is nestled in the central highlands of Papua, lying at an altitude of about 1,800 meters above sea level and surrounded by a crest of steep green mountains. It is home to three of Papua's interior-living tribes: the Dani, Lani and Yali. The Dani live in the center, the Lani in the west and the Yali in the southeast.
Every August since 1989, these three tribes gather in Wamena for the annual Baliem Valley festival. At this event, which has as its highlight mock battles among the tribes, the Dani, Lani and Yali send their best warriors into the arena wearing their best regalia. Held over two days by about 26 groups of 30-50 people, the mock battles are performed to the accompaniment of a traditional Papuan pikon (jaw harp).
In addition to these mock battles, other celebrations include traditional dancing and music, puradan (rattan spear throwing), sikoko (spear games), pig racing, bakar batu (an ancient way of cooking large amounts of food) and a pig roast feast.
