One of most fascinating things in Papua is it’s people even though civilization and western world values change a lot on certain events people still dress and paint faces in they’re papuan fashion. Here is pictures of people from Baliem Valley in Papua. Three major tribes lives there – the Dani in the base, the Lani to the west and the Yali in the south-east.
Read more...

While staying in Wamena I was fortunate to witness governor elections in Irian Jaya. It took 5hr standing on the back of pickup truck to get to this place. It is political event and tourists usually not allowed even though I had permits to travel that far local police was not so happy seeing foreign guy with camera there. At the end everything worked out and now you can see some pictures how elections in Papua goes. Before politicians makes they’re speeches, running around with spears bows and arrows in hands crowd simulates war situation. After that everybody is fed (mainly potatoes) cooked in traditional way. All that food is delivered by participants shouting, running right in to the middle of crowed and dropping it on the grass. When belly’s are full people sit on the ground and listen what politicians has to say. Amazing scenery indeed.
Read more...

Trekking in Baliem valley through rain and sun is an unforgettable thing. You can wonder for days with home-stay in different villages. I choose to explore south east side of valley where Dani and Yali tribes lives. Each tribe has a distinct culture and different language. Houses and people looks similar but there is one sure and interesting way to distinguish between the tribes, from the “Koteka”, or penis gourd, used by the male members. The men of each tribe is cultivating a different style. The Dani use a long, thin Koteka, the Lani use a medium sized, wide cannon-like gourd, and the Yali wear the longest of all.
Read more...

The Wamena Market in Papua is one of  most colorful and exotic markets you can find. Locals from Baliem Valley comes in to Wamena town to sell goods. You can still see people from different tribes, sometimes wearing traditional clothing which means no clothing at all, only the penis guard from which you can distinguish the tribe one belongs.
Read more...