Huli Tribe (the wig-men) – Papua

Huli tribe is one of the most famous tribes on Papua New Guinea. Hulis, harsh highlanders, are a jewell of all festivals. You can set out with us for a visit to their homes and see how their everyday lifes look like.

The Huli tribe (known as the “wig-men”) made their home not far from Tari city, which is situated in the central highland of Papua New Guinea. Hulis are mostly civilized, but approximately one tenth of them lives a traditional life.

Though this is true, for their fairs and feasts the men come back to their indigenous customs. For these occasions, even the city of Tari is suddenly filled with aborigines dressed in short skirts and traditional wigs richly decorated with feathers.

Another reason they are famous is because they paint their faces, usually with yellow, red, and white decorations. They also make wigs from their own hair. The wigs look more like plumed hats, and they are not only intricately decorated with feathers of paradise birds, but also with the feathers from colorful parrots. The indispensable complement of their outfit is an axe with a casuar claw. This is a very dangerous weapon. The back side of a Huli tribesman’s throat is ornamented by various decorations, the most striking of which is a beak of a hornbil.

Huli are nice and pleasant people. Moments spend with them are wonderful.

Come with us to see Huli tribe

Huli tribe expedition itineraries and schedule

---