Unveiling the Haunting Secrets Behind Papua New Guinea’s Enigmatic Asaro Mudmen Masks

So, why do the Asaro Mudmen still cover themselves in clay today?

How This Practice Adapted Over Time

In 1957, organizers for the inaugural Eastern Highlands Agricultural Show in Papua New Guinea asked Ruipo Okoroho, acting as a representative for the Asaro people, to present a demonstration of the community’s heritage. Remembering stories of girituwai disguises from past generations, Okoroho met with other leaders from the community and decided to revive the practice — with a twist.

Rather than the simple bag-and-bamboo constructions of yore, the community would create elaborate masks with threatening faces. They would also cover their bodies in white clay.

When the group presented their work at the Eastern Highlands Agricultural Show, attendees were immediately captivated. In subsequent years, their presentations became grander, employing more grotesque masks and developing a specific, spirit-like performance to go along with the outfit. These masked performers came to be known as holosa, meaning “ghosts.”

Jialiang Gao/Wikimedia Commons
An Asaro mudman holding his unique, elaborate clay mask.

Since the 1950s, holosa performances have become more elaborate, with the look changing to appeal to crowds and tourists. While the masks were originally composed of bamboo, performers later made masks out of banana root and, eventually, clay, reportedly in response to viewer preferences and local material availability. There’s also evidence that they changed the masks’ expressions, going from threatening and angry to showing a wide range of emotions, including happiness.

So, where did the original tale of the Asaro warriors getting covered in mud while hiding beside a river come from? It’s unclear. It could be a mix of a genuine experience and later exaggerations, or it could simply be a folk tale that has emerged over the years through repeated exchanges between villagers, writers, and tourists.

While some responded to Caf’s video questioning if she was in danger, it’s safe to say she was not. This is a tourist presentation — and one that brings income and attention to the Asaro people. Regardless of the practice’s origin, it’s pretty incredible to see, and certainly an interesting way to spend a vacation.

All That’s Interesting reached out to Caf via email.

After reading about the Asaro Mudmen, explore this collection of Native American masks from the early 20th century, captured in full color. Then, learn about the Asmat Tribe and their alleged role in the disappearance of Michael Rockefeller.

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