Cannibalism Ritual of the Fore People in Papua New Guinea
The Fore people from Papua New Guinea practiced cannibalism as a ritual until the 1960s. The tribe consumed the entire body of the deceased except for one bitter part. The practice was linked to the spread of the incurable and fatal neurological disease kuru.
Key Points
- Fore people practiced cannibalism as a post-death ritual
- Cannibalism was stopped after the discovery of the kuru disease transmission
- Women exclusively participated in the cannibalistic ritual
- Kuru is an incurable and fatal neurological condition
Pros
- Honored the deceased by allowing family members to consume their bodies
- Cultural significance and unique ritual practices
Cons
- Spread of the fatal neurological disease kuru
- Involvement of cannibalism in the transmission of the disease