The Asaro Mudmen: The Ghost Tribe Of Papua New Guinea
The Ghost Warriors Of Papua New Guinea
The haunting mud masks and Sing-Sing rituals of the Asaro people have long captured the imaginations of tourists the world over. But who are these ghostly figures?
Who Are They?
The Asaro are one of approximately 300 indigenous tribes on the island of Papua New Guinea. They have become famous for their mud masks called Holosas.
"Holosa" is another name for the group, meaning "spirit". The masks have also led them to be called "the Mudmen".
The Masks
Asaro masks feature exaggerated features like elongated ears, misshapen chins, and horns. Some Mudmen also wear bamboo on their fingertips to make their hands look like claws.
Originally, their grotesque appearance was meant to terrify enemies. Now, it's all part of the spectacle for tourists.
The Masks
The masks are made of clay and light wood frames, and they take several days to dry in the sun.
When they're done, they weigh about 20-25 pounds. The Mudmen wear the heavy masks without any padding to protect their shoulders.
The Mask-Maker
Only one man, Kowa, makes the mud masks for the whole community. This responsibility has been passed down to the men in his family for generations.
It's said that his ancestor made the very first mud mask, and his son will take on the tradition when Kowa passes on.
