The Story of Crocodile Man in Papua New Guinea

In Papua New Guinea there is a unique Chambri Tribe and is nicknamed traveler as Crocodile Man. Their skin is slashed into crocodile scales, to signify the maturity and respect for crocodiles as their ancestors.

Just like the tribes in Papua (because it is still one land), Papua New Guinea has many tribes with unique and unique traditions. Some of the traditions may look painful, but not for those who do them for generations.

Summary detikTravel from various sources, Thursday (23/06/2016) one of the tribes in Papua New Guinea which has a distinctive tradition is the Chambri Tribe. They inhabit the land around Lake Chambri, Sepik Province. Viewed from the map, its position is north of Papua New Guinea which can be reached by plane for 2 hours from the state capital of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby. The Chambri live everyday as hunters of animals like pigs and also fish for men, and gardening for women. Their life is still very simple, electricity has not yet entered the settlement.

Then, what is the typical tradition of the Chambri Tribe? Tribal traditions are traditionally performed only by men. The tradition of cutting the body and forming the skin on its body to be like a crocodile-prominent scales. This story, around the Chambri tribe in Chambri Lake and Sepik River are still many living crocodiles. There are two types, Papua New Guinea crocodiles and estuarine crocodiles. The size is large, from 4 to 7 meters!

For the Chambri, crocodiles are very exalted animals. Because they believe, their ancestors used to be a crocodile that sort of evolved into the mainland and turned into a human being. They also keep the life of the crocodile and not hunting him. The tradition of cutting the body and forming the skin on the body to be similar to the scales of crocodiles, has been done since ancient times. This tradition is a sign of a man becoming an adult. Usually performed from 11 years to 25 years.

The one who cuts it down, is the chief. Those who slashed had to endure the pain, when the knife ripped their skin off. Reportedly, not a few also died of blood loss and can not stand the pain.

Menyayatnya also not carelessly slashed. There are dance and prayer rituals before the chieftain takes a knife and does his job. For this tradition is still considered noble.The meaning of this tradition is three. First, as a form of respect to the ancestors of the Chambri tribe who is believed to be a crocodile. Second, this tradition signifies a man's maturity. Third, this tradition is believed to make the men become strong people because it is able to pass the pain.

The entire Chambri tribe man has an incision and looks like an alligator's scales. They also proudly show off their former incisions. Fun, Chambri Tribe has been open and accustomed to the arrival of tourists.

Some tour operators offer travel packages to Lake Chambri and meet Chambri Tribes like Sepik River Canoe Adventure Tours, North Star Cruises Australia and Mapex Travel Tours. Tourists will be invited to see the life of the tribe Chambri up close, the women will also entertain with dance.

Of course, you who participate in the tour can also meet the men of Chambri Tribe, The Crocodile Man.