Baliem Festival, Wamena, Jayawijaya, Papua, Indonesien. Portrait photograph by Markus Korenjak, finalist in the Shoot The Frame Portrait photography award, April 2020

Finalist Portrait · April 2020

Baliem Festival

I did this Picture at the Baliem Festival in Wamena I West Neuguinea. Once a year, the indigenous tribes of the Dani, Yali and Lani people begin a long and difficult journey to celebrate together in the impressive Baliem Valley. Their cultural celebrations last for several days. Beside performances of traditional dances and songs, the strongest and most experienced warriors of each tribe display their martial arts prowess with spears, bows, and arrows. This festival, organised by the government of the Jayawijaya Mountains, serves to remember the customs and values of the people who inhabit this remote valley, and to carry them on.