The Gamusi Nokondi tribe, one of the most memorable groups I encountered at the Goroka Show. There’s something a little scary about the fact that there is a person hidden deep inside the undergrowth. It may take a moment to spot the fact that there is a glistening eye staring back at you from within.
Another singsing group by the Asaro mudmen. This group were selling mudmen figurines with detachable masks. They were fantastic, but unfortunately I knew that they would’t survive a day in my rucksack. Another photographer introduced me to one of the leaders in the tribe. He was a real tough guy, an enforcer within the tribe and between tribes.
As you move away from a person it is more difficult to get eye contact and create a moment of connection between subject and photographer. In this photograph, however, the man stared right down the lens of the camera. At first glance this looks like an elderly frail man. Then you notice the veins on the muscles, the strength in his grip, and you realize he’s probably fitter and stronger than the guy on the other side of the camera.
Three shots of the same boy from the Kowampi tribe. He had this half smile on his face, and was standing amongst a group of women.
Members of the Eyarokawe tribe had wonderful interesting faces, and their headdresses reminded me of Tina Turner. I believe the tusks in their mouths are from wild boar. The young kid above, would probably win the award for most adorable child in Papua New Guinea.
TRAVEL 67 : Chris Willson Photography 