In the isolated Aseki district of Papua New Guinea, the Anga people have preserved a remarkable and distinctive cultural tradition for centuries. The practice of smoking the corpses of their ancestors, although considered grotesque by outsiders, has captured the imagination of anthropologists, writers and filmmakers for more than a century. In this article, we embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries surrounding the enigmatic smoke mummification ritual of the Anga people, shedding light on its origins, its cultural significance and the challenges faced in understanding this ancient practice.

The ancient tradition of mummification with smoke

The origins of smoke mummification among the Anga people date back to a time when cannibalism was common in the region. To delve into the roots of this unique tradition, take a trip to the Aseki district of Papua New Guinea. With its remote and challenging terrain, the district remains a testament to the isolation of the Anga people from the modern world.

The practice of smoking the corpses of their ancestors began during World War I, following a series of events related to the arrival of missionaries and retaliatory killings. Mummies discovered in the village of Angapenga, smeared with red clay and in various stages of decomposition, offer a haunting insight into this ancient ritual.

The ritual process and its cultural importance

The smoke mummification ritual involves a meticulous process that involves the preparation and preservation of the bodies of the deceased. The corpses are arranged in positions similar to those of the living or curled up like fetuses inside large baskets, symbolizing their connection to the cycle of life and death. The bodies are exposed to smoke from aromatic woods and herbs inside specially constructed chambers.

This smoking process acts as a preservative, preventing decomposition and honoring the deceased. For the Anga people, smoked corpses have immense cultural significance as ancestral guardians and sources of wisdom. The rituals surrounding smoke mummification serve as a means of spiritual connection and cultural continuity, and bridge the gap between the living and the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ.

Lost stories and cultural perspectives

Over time, stories and accounts about the smoke mummification ritual have been mixed with rumors, exaggerations and diverse perspectives. Local accounts from villagers such as Dickson, Loland and Nimas shed light on different aspects of the ritual’s history and cultural context. While some claim that mummification began as a result of revenge killings and the introduction of salt by missionaries during World War I, others claim that smoke mummification has been practiced for centuries.

Contradictory accounts also emerge about the presence of cannibalism in the region, with some denying its existence. To unravel the truth and understand the complexities of this ancient tradition it is necessary to carefully examine the historical records and perspectives of the Anga people themselves.