The Korowai tribe in Indonesia remained undiscovered and lived in isolation, without knowing other people existed until 1974 when an adventurous photographer discovered them.
They were rumoured to be cannibals, even though some anthropologists dispute this. In fact, some people now believe that the tribesmen only perpetuate myths to dupe western media and promote myths.
A tribe living in trees might sound like a plot limited to tv shows and adventurous movies, but the Korowai tribe certainly lived among the branches.
They had treetop houses where they resided, but now most of them have moved into settled villages. They live in the heart of the rainforest without any form of exposure to the modern world, and so most of their age-old traditions are still adhered by.
Without access to many modern medicines, they treat their diseases with locally made herbs, which is why they have a typically high mortality rate.
The Korowai do not have access to many modern medicines and diseases are treated with herbs, so the mortality rate is typically very high.
But without scientific knowledge, and professional medical advice, they believe that deaths are caused by demons who take on human forms, “khakhua”.
Some say that anyone killed by a ‘demon’ was eaten by the remaining tribe members, a curious revenge ritual to protect the rest of the Korowai people, although this has been disputed.
Certain anthropologists believe that clans in the tribe have perpetuated the myth of cannibalism to promote interest and tourism. One of the specialities eaten by the tribe is sago, made from palm trees, which is essentially mashed tree pulp cooked on the fire.
The Korowai tribe might not be cannibals, but they represent a unique and highly traditional way of doing things and carrying out actions.
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