Photo: Asaro Mud Men Taking a Break

These Asaro Mud Men were relaxing late in the day during the Goroka Show in Goroka, Papua New Guinea. The cultural festival, held each year, is attended by many tribal groups who perform through much of the day. The Mud Men’s war costumes are meant to look frightening to their enemies, and at the festival their dance was a threatening advance as if they were in battle. In reality, the Asaro tribesmen are very friendly and I spent quite a while talking to them about daily life in Papua New Guinea.

The festival is much like a county fair in the United States, and geared mainly to the local population rather than the hundred or so tourists. In addition to the cultural show, there were booths set up by local companies and charities, food stands, live music and other entertainment (including boxing matches and a bodybuilding contest).