AdventureCarstensz.id – Living at amazing heights, in between the green foliage and fresh air of the Papuan jungle, far from the chaotic of the modern world, this is where the Korowai tribe lives, presenting a life story that is so mesmerizing and full of mystery.
Papua, an island known for its rich flora and fauna, holds a unique culture that is hard to find in other places. One of the most interesting is the Korowai Tribe, a tribe that lives in the Kaibar area, Mappi Regency, Papua. Found by Dutch missionaries in 1974, this ethnic group has lived for hundreds of years without contact with the outside world, making them one of the most authentic ethnic groups in the region.
Treehouse as a Symbol of Life and Belief
However, unlike other tribes in Papua who choose to build Honai houses as a place to live, the Korowai tribe has its own uniqueness by settling in tree houses. Their tree houses are built with varying heights, ranging from 15 to 50 meters, even on several occasions recorded they were able to build tree houses as high as 114 meters within two weeks. This shows how skillful and resourceful they are in cultivating the natural resources around them.
The decision to live in tree houses is not without reason. The Korowai believe that the higher they live, the farther away they will be from wild animals, enemies, and especially evil spirits. This belief is so deeply rooted in their lives that the construction of tree houses has become an integral part of the tribe’s culture and identity.
Natural and Traditional Building Process
Every tree house built by the Korowai tribe is a work of art that makes use of natural materials. Wood, rattan, roots and tree branches are the main materials taken from the forests and swamps around their region. The frame of the house is usually made of small logs assembled by hand, while the floor is covered with bark. The walls and roofs are decorated with woven sago leaves or bark, creating a sense of nature and harmony with the environment.
This entirely handmade construction process reflects the local wisdom that has been passed down from generation to generation. Even metal tools are limited to machetes or axes used for hunting and logging purposes. All this shows how close the Korowai tribe is to nature, where every element of their lives is closely intertwined with the surrounding environment.
Documentation and the World’s Attention
In 2011, the lives of the Korowai were brought to the world’s attention through the BBC documentary Human Planet. The film showed in detail how they build their tree houses and their challenging daily lives in the wilds of Papua. The documentary not only showed their skill in building houses, but also portrayed their spirit and courage in living a life that is very different from the modern life we know.
The Conclusion
The Korowai tribe is a shining example of Papua’s rich cultural heritage and biodiversity. Their simple yet philosophical life teaches us about the importance of harmony with nature and a deep-rooted belief in traditional values. With their towering tree houses, they not only create a place to live, but also an irreplaceable symbol of protection and identity. It is hoped that this article will open our eyes and hearts to appreciate the uniqueness and richness of cultures in remote parts of the world, especially in Papua.