Are there still cannibals in new guinea
A fascinating and sensitive topic!
While there have been reports of cannibalism in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the past, it's essential to note that these instances are extremely rare and often linked to specific cultural or ritualistic practices.
Papua New Guinea is a country with over 800 languages and more than 1,000 ethnic groups, each with their own unique customs and traditions. In some of these cultures, cannibalism has been practiced in the past as a form of punishment, sacrifice, or as part of initiation rituals.
However, it's important to emphasize that cannibalism is not a widespread or accepted practice in modern Papua New Guinea. The country has made significant progress in recent decades, and many of its indigenous communities have abandoned traditional practices that involved cannibalism.
That being said, there have been some reported cases of cannibalism in PNG in recent years, often linked to specific circumstances such as:
- Isolation and poverty: In some remote areas, people may resort to cannibalism due to extreme poverty, food scarcity, or lack of access to medical care.
- Cultural or ritualistic practices: In some cases, cannibalism may be linked to specific cultural or ritualistic practices, such as the "Kuru" disease, which was once prevalent among the Fore people of the Eastern Highlands Province. Kuru is a prion disease that was transmitted through the practice of eating the brains of deceased relatives as part of their funeral rituals.
- Conflict and violence: In times of conflict or violence, cannibalism may occur as a result of desperation, fear, or as a form of psychological warfare.
It's essential to note that these instances of cannibalism are extremely rare and often involve specific individuals or groups, rather than being a widespread practice.
In recent years, there have been some high-profile cases of cannibalism in PNG, including:
- In 2012, a man was arrested in the Eastern Highlands Province for allegedly eating his 12-year-old niece.
- In 2018, a man was charged with cannibalism after he was found eating a human brain in the Western Highlands Province.
However, it's important to recognize that these cases are exceptions rather than the rule, and that the vast majority of Papua New Guineans do not engage in cannibalistic practices.
In summary, while there may be isolated instances of cannibalism in Papua New Guinea, it is not a widespread or accepted practice in the country. The vast majority of Papua New Guineans live in peace and harmony, and the country is making progress in promoting human rights, social justice, and cultural understanding.