Untouched by the modern world

29.05.2020 09:53

An Italian photographer has met an Indonesian tribe untouched by the modern world in the highlands of New Guinea.

Roberto Pazzi, of Treviglio, Italy, met the Dani people, who live in bamboo huts, hunt with spears and sacrifice pigs to celebrate marriage.

The 42-year-old photographer trekked into the island's Baliem Valley and visited several villages, where the tribe's simple life is far cry from the Western world.

Roberto says: 'It's fascinating to think that the Dani people still live in primitive conditions, while we have our internet, cars and shopping centres.'

The tribes of the Dani people were discovered in 1938 after a pilot on aerial reconnaissance flight spotted signs of civilisation in the Baliem Valley.

There are around 300 tribes of the Dani people and they live in small villages throughout the Baliem Valley - with some tribes consisting of just three or four members.

Roberto says: 'The Dani people are generally very shy, however they're extremely curious.

'When I first arrived at their village, I was amazed by the way that they communicate - they often walk hand in hand with you and hold on to your shoulder.

'Although the women are very reserved, the children are the complete opposite - they're full of energy and eager to learn about the western world.

'Although none of the Dani people have ever left the island of New Guinea, the tribe are now used to small groups of visitors wanting to learn about their culture.'

The foundation of Dani tribe's diet is sweet potato, which grows in abundance in the humid conditions of the highlands.

The sweet potato is wrapped in banana skins and placed on top on hot stones over a fire to cook.

Roberto says: 'Before I visited this village, some of the Dani children had never seen a camera - their curiosity was fascinating.

(dailymail.co.uk)