2The Chimbu People: Masters of Skeleton Paint
High in the rugged mountains of the Chimbu Province, the Chimbu (or Simbu) people have developed a striking form of body art that makes them appear as living skeletons. This tradition of skeleton body paint is deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs surrounding the afterlife and the relationship between the living and the dead.
The Chimbu paint their bodies with white clay, creating the illusion of skeletal figures. This haunting appearance is meant to intimidate enemies during warfare and to ward off evil spirits during ceremonies. The skeleton paint also plays a role in rituals honoring ancestors, as it symbolizes the connection between the physical world and the spirit world.
The Chimbu’s skeletal imagery, combined with their mountainous homeland, gives them a distinctive place in Papua New Guinea’s rich tapestry of tribal cultures. The tribe’s fascinating appearance has made them a symbol of Papua New Guinea’s mystical and spiritual traditions, capturing the imagination of those who seek to understand the deeper meanings behind their customs.
