KOROWAI People

The Korowai, also called the Kolufo, live in southeastern Papua in the Indonesian provinces of South Papua and Highland Papua. Their tribal area is split by the borders of Boven Digoel Regency, Mappi Regency, Asmat Regency, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, and Yahukimo Regency. They number about 4000 to 4400 people.

The majority of the Korowai clans live in tree houses on their isolated forested territory. The Korowai traditionally smoke tobacco but do not drink alcohol. They use a traditional smoking pipe called depon nagel, made from bamboo with diameter of 3-4 cm. Sago shoots shavings called fiop is used as the filter.

The Korowai are hunter-gatherers and horticulturalists who practice shifting cultivation. They have excellent hunting and fishing skills.

Extended info about Korowai People