Photos of tribes

In the heart of the first world

The foot of the high mountains of Irian Jaya, the great Baliem Valley, with a population of about 75 000 inhabitants, scattered in hundreds of small towns is a landmark First World. The most common language is the Dani.

Since most of these groups, like the Yalis, are in a perpetual war with their neighbors. There is always, in effect, an ancestor to avenge his spirit rest in peace. The rules of war are very strict, the ideal is to maintain the same number of casualties on both sides, it is the national sport.

The combatants paint and face mask to avoid being recognized by their opponents. The Yalis managed to keep control of their land and so quietly adapt to the inevitable changes caused by the development of the entire region.