The Spirits of the River

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Papua New Guinea View gallery (45 photos)

The Spirits of the River sent on 13 Febbraio 2026 (10:55) by Roberto Pazzi. 6 comments, 181 views.

at 21mm, 1/60 f/6.3, ISO 3200, hand held.

Asaro people, also known as the Mudmen (Papua New Guinea). HUMANKIND, my premium, limited-edition, museum-quality standard book featuring over 200 large-format photos. Available on my website: https://robertopazziphoto.com The Asaro people are an indigenous group from the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. They live in small villages near the Asaro River, from which they take their name. The Asaro are famous for their distinctive ceremonial costumes, especially their large masks made of river mud and clay. These masks, called Holosas, meaning spirit, are an important part of their cultural heritage. They are shaped by hand and decorated with exaggerated features such as wide eyes and horn like forms, giving them a frightening, supernatural appearance. Combined with bodies covered in pale mud and natural decorations, the overall effect is meant to intimidate. According to legend, this tradition began during a time of conflict with a neighboring tribe. The Asaro hid in the river to escape an attack, and when they emerged covered in white clay and grey mud, their enemies believed they were spirits and fled in fear. The Asaro later used this appearance intentionally to protect themselves without fighting. Today, the Mudmen no longer use the masks for defense, but they continue to wear them during cultural ceremonies and festivals. The tradition remains a powerful symbol of creativity, survival, and the strong bond between the Asaro people and their environment. Website: https://robertopazziphoto.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roberto_pazzi_photo

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22 persons like it: Adrian.p, Afrikachiara, Alberto Tirri, Albieri Sergio, BlueSky49, Bo Larkeed, Buttura Roberto, Claudio Ricci, Claudio Sciarra, DDaniele, Dokker, Fab0569, Federico Veneziano, Fotobyx73, Franck.Sigma, Giuseppe Guadagno, Giuseppe58, Gprizzi, Jonathan68, Luca Monego, Nessuno, Paolo Gualandris

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Buttura Roberto

sent on 13 Febbraio 2026 (11:09) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

show , congratulations

Roberto Pazzi

sent on 13 Febbraio 2026 (11:21) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

Thanks Roberto!

Federico Veneziano

sent on 13 Febbraio 2026 (11:34) | This comment has been translated

Marvelous

Claudio Ricci

sent on 14 Febbraio 2026 (0:17) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

They're always great! Congratulations.

Roberto Pazzi

sent on 14 Febbraio 2026 (5:39) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

Thanks Federico!

Roberto Pazzi

sent on 14 Febbraio 2026 (5:39) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

Thanks Claudio!

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