The Huli Wigman Of Papua New Guinea

The Huli are, without a doubt, one of the most impressive tribes in Papua New Guinea. They are also one of the largest. Pinning an accurate number down is quite difficult, but varying online sources say the Huli population is anywhere from 90,000 to 300,000-400,000.

The Huli take great pride in their elaborate decorations. Their colorful displays are inspired in part by the equally magnificent Birds-of-Paradise. If you're not familiar with the Birds-of-Paradise, they're well worth checking out as they are some of nature's most colorful and unique birds.

Their faces are painted with yellow and red clay. Numerous shells adorn their neck while a ceremonial wig of human hair sits atop their head. The wig is embellished with iridescent blue Superb bird of paradise breastplates and parrot feathers.

At this point, it's hard to say what the most striking feature is when considering all the effort that has gone into decorating themselves, but the finishing touch for me is the single Cassowary quill that goes through the nose. All told, it is quite a sight to behold. Oh, and it seems rather obvious, but this is just a headshot. Granted, that's where most of the effort is placed, but there's a full look.

The Huli Wigmen are fierce warriors in endemic warfare and a cultural jewel of Papua New Guinea.