The peculiar custom of the tribe turns the body into ... crocodile

The members of the tribe, especially the men, have to go through the body's "sculpting" process to prove their maturity.

Chambri tribe live near Port Moresby city in the island nation of Papua New Guinea, in Oceania is famous for the ceremony of body sculpting to own dry, hard skin like crocodile.

According to Chambrian legend , humans evolved from crocodiles and originated from the Sepik River. This animal is ugly but extremely powerful. Children of adulthood will participate in the traditional ritual of their tribe.

Picture 1 of The peculiar custom of the tribe turns the body into ... crocodile
The members of the tribe, especially the men, have to go through the body's "sculpting" process to prove their maturity.(Photo Dailymail).

In order to participate in the ceremony, the children must go through a "trial" process from tribal members by disparaging, cursing. And if they overcome those words, they are recognized as capable of maturity.

When performing rituals, the head of the family will directly use sharp objects to engrave on the back of the child's back, shoulder and chest. They use fire smoke, clay and tree oil to fill the incision so that they are larger in size.

Picture 2 of The peculiar custom of the tribe turns the body into ... crocodile
The head of the clan will directly use sharp objects to engrave on the back of the child's back, shoulder and chest.(Photo Dailymail).

In this way, the longer the "motifs" on the body, the more mature and mature the man is. The more scars the better the luck, strength, and toughness of a crocodile.

Chambrian rituals are very dangerous because using the incision line on the body makes the boys painful, losing a lot of blood and difficult activities. Many people infected with the incision may not use drugs that are forced to suffer pain, wait for a wound to heal or chew on a plant that the tribe sees as a "medicinal god" to treat illness.

Picture 3 of The peculiar custom of the tribe turns the body into ... crocodile
The more scars the better the luck, strength, and toughness of a crocodile.(Photo Dailymail).

According to the American anthropologist, Gilbert H. Herdt: 'The Chambri tribe live in the three villages of Indingai, Kilimbit and Wombum who live mainly on hunting and gathering.'

'The main source of food is rich in fish and sago - a starchy plant derived from the small lake of the same name Chambri , ' Gilbert said.

Chambrians worship religion, they still keep old rules and practices like absolutely not praying or shouting their ancestors' names to show respect, remove malice or unrighteousness from within. center.

Picture 4 of The peculiar custom of the tribe turns the body into ... crocodile
Not only back, arms and legs, Chambrian people's chests also "carved" on their faces.(Photo Dailymail).

Some old people in the tribe have the ability to talk, get along with the gods and understand the heaven and earth. They have their own sign language but are not disclosed but only convey to good people. These people often play a role in chasing away evil spirits and treating the villagers.

Chambrians believe that worshiping, praying for ancestors or sacred animals in the forest helps them to have health and avoid all diseases.

This strange practice is maintained to this day, considered a part of the culture of the tribe. However, many opinions suggest that traditional rituals should be abandoned because they are inconsistent with the age and danger to life.