Papua New Guinea: A Culture in Transition

TARI GAP, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - DECEMBER 2008: Huli Wigmen "Magic-Men" photographed at an ancestor skull cave, Tari Gap, Papua New Guinea, 17 December 2008. These "Magic-Men" keep the old tradition of ancestor protection alive, they maintain the skulls of men passed on and look after traditionally holy places. Both these men are supporters of the Catholic Church which they say is encouraging the both tradional ways and the ways of the Catholic church. Tari is the home of the Huli tribe, the second largest tribe in PNG, this highlands province was once considered one of the most remote areas of the highland region of Papua New Guinea, the outside world has only really been felt in the last 20 years. Recent oil discoveries in the region are now changing it quickly. Education and the Church have also been a profound influence. Although men often still wear traditional headgear and some face-paint, ragged western clothing is the norm although combinations of the traditional wear and western clothing are common. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage)