Ghost of Asaro

Photographer

Jatenipat Ketpradit

Category

People Photography - Portrait

Company

Submission Group

Professional

Year

2023

Country / Region:

Thailand

Gurupoka mountain peak in the wild forest of Papua New Guinea is the land of ghosts!!! They emerged slowly from the trees, their movements resembling a devil's dance, seamlessly blending with the forest. Their terrifying heads were attached to thin, grey bodies. Abruptly, they vanished and reappeared behind the visitor like phantoms. They were the 'Asaro Mudmen,' indigenous warriors residing in a high valley along the Asaro River in Papua New Guinea. Today, the Asaro Mudmen stand among the most prominent and renowned tribes of Papua New Guinea. Whenever they don their mud masks, assuming the guise of white demons, they embody the spirit that drove the enemy from their cherished village and homeland.