Featured Image Credit: Drew Binksy / YouTube
There's only one known cannibal tribe left in the world.
Located in Papua Island, the Korowai tribe have been reported to practice ritual cannibalism up to the present day.
YouTuber Drew Binksy took a trip to see them for himself.
He calls it the 'climax of anthropology' and the 'most diverse place on Earth,' where 312 different tribes speak over 1,000 unique languages.
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The tribes have inhabited this island for more than 65,000 years and they have 'maintained traditions that date back over 10,000 years.'
Already on arrival, Drew's tour guide cancelled claiming it was 'too dangerous' to visit the Korowai tribe.
Instead, he met the Momuna tribe, the sister tribe of the Korowai. Both have very similar cultures and lifestyles so Drew decided to spend a few days with them to learn their way of life.
According to Drew, there are roughly 3,000 members of the tribe and they live deep in the Papua rainforest.
They live in tall skilled tree houses that protect the tribe from floods, animals and even potential threats from neighbouring tribes with 'cannibalistic needs.'
Although the Momuna tribe itself doesn’t practice cannibalism, they live in fear of being targeted by the Korowai.
When Drew asked about the taste of human flesh, the tribe members said they’d heard it’s like a 'male pig' but they didn’t know firsthand.
An older member of the tribe described feeling 'scared' to visit other tribes in fear of being captured and eaten.
Cannibalism is completely unethical and illegal in the Western world. But for the Korowai, 'flesh is a dish central to their culture and it has been for thousands of years.'
However, they don’t eat humans for enjoyment or nutrition.
'It's simply a form of punishment,' Drew explained.
'More specifically, the Korowai believes that mysterious deaths like diseases are attributed to the Khakua, evil demons who take on human form.'
They would disguise themselves as family members to gain trust and eventually kill tribe members.
Consequently, the Korowai tribe performs rituals on 'anyone believed to be a Khakua so they can protect the rest of its members.'
It's part of their 'revenge-based justice system.'
Despite the unsettling aspects, Drew found the tribe to be incredibly welcoming, especially since they rarely get visitors.
'To call this tribe uncivilised is downright incorrect, they foster relationships and value family in a way that is lost to our smartphones,' Drew said.
'The Mimuna tribe hasn't had the advantage of cross-cultural pollination seen in Western societies and therefore, they haven't benefitted from the economical advantages.'
Some people think the tour guide may have intentionally misled Drew to keep him safe.
'You weren't misled to Maimuna tribe, your guide was just scared of the Korowai tribe. He saved your life...,' one user wrote.
'Granted it’s not the tribe you wanted to go to…but it may have been the safest. I’m glad you chose to stay and learn about them,' another added.
