THE KOROWAI TRIBE: The Remote Cannibalistic Tribe That Hunts Monkeys

Deep in the dense rainforests of Papua, Indonesia, lies the Korowai tribe, a community shrouded in mystery and unique cultural practices. Known for their extraordinary treehouses built high in the canopy, the Korowai have also gained attention for their unconventional dietary habits, including their consumption of monkeys and other wild animals.  

𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

The Korowai are one of the last remaining tribes to live primarily off the land, maintaining a traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Their diet largely depends on what the forest provides: sago (a starch derived from palm trees), fruits, insects, and wild game, including monkeys.  

𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐀 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞

Monkeys are a vital source of protein for the Korowai and are hunted using bows, arrows, and sometimes traps. Hunting monkeys in the dense rainforest requires remarkable skill and knowledge of animal behavior. Hunters often track the animals for hours, climbing trees or using blowpipes to reach their prey.  

The meat is usually roasted over open flames and shared among the tribe. Beyond nutrition, hunting monkeys also carries cultural significance, as it demonstrates the hunter's skill and bravery.  

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐨𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬

The Korowai are often sensationalized for their historical practice of ritual cannibalism, which has been largely abandoned. In the past, it was believed to target "khakhua" or malevolent spirits thought to inhabit individuals. However, modern contact with the outside world has significantly reduced these rituals, and today, the tribe is more focused on survival and preserving their unique traditions in an ever-changing world.  

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞

The Korowai face increasing challenges due to deforestation, tourism, and modernization. While some members have integrated into nearby villages, many still hold on to their ancient customs, including their connection to the forest and its resources.  

𝐀 𝐆𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝

The Korowai’s dietary habits, including eating monkeys, reflect their deep knowledge of and reliance on their environment. Their way of life offers a rare glimpse into humanity’s past and raises important questions about how to balance cultural preservation with the pressures of the modern world.