A Look Inside One of the world’s most isolated tribes

DEEP in the highlands of Western New Guinea, Indonesia, lives one of the world’s most isolated tribes

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The first interactions the tribe had with the wider world was in 1938 after being spotted by Richard Arbold

Known as the Dani people, the tribe was unwittingly discovered by American philanthropist, Richard Archbold, after an expedition in 1938.

Since the mid twentieth century the Dani tribe have become well known for their unique customs and strong sense of identity as they cling to their traditional ways.

The Dani tribe have become famous for their interesting and unique customs

One of their customs is the wearing of an unusual piece of underwear worn by males. Known as a Koteka, it is commonly referred to as a penis sheath.

Photographer and IT support engineer Teh Han Lin from neighbouring Singapore snapped the tribe over a four day period.

Women in the tribe cut off parts of their fingers to mourn the death of a loved one

He said: “The Dani tribe is a very unique tribe, especially their way of life and their traditional wearing of a "Koteka" that I’ve heard about since I was young. I never know when this tribe will be extinct, this is the reason I decided to visit them this year.”

The act of self multination has been banned by the government in the country

As well as their quite liberal view towards clothing, the tribe are also well known for their unique practice of self mutilation.

After the passing of a loved one, relatives are expected to cut off the top part of their fingers as a sign of respect and grieving.

Members of the tribe wear little to no clothing and stay true to their cultural traditions

The men and boys of the tribe wear what is known as a koteka or penis sheath

The practice is meant to symbolise the pain one feels after losing a loved one with many people in the tribe often amputating multiple fingers during their lifetime.

Teh Han said: “Only women have to cut off their fingers. I feel it's a cruel and inhumane practice, but to them this is the only way to show the grievousness to the loved ones and they are willing to do it.”

Dani tribe women cooking food in a traditional underground oven

Fortunately the act has been outlawed by the Indonesian government, however signs of this archaic tradition can be found on older women in the tribe.

Despite their controversial customs, the Dani tribe have been drawing tourists to the region for decades as more and more people are eager to see their relatively simple way of life.

Photographer Teh Han Lin took the pictures over a four day period

During his latest visit, the tribes people were celebrating an annual festival in which they take part in mock battles with other tribes in the area.

The IT support engineer said: “The fake battles are not for tourists, but it's a festival they call ‘Baliem Valley Festival’ that is held yearly, usually in the month of August where all tribes - Dani, Yali and Lani - bring their best warriors to perform a mock battle and show their rich culture.”

The Dani tribe's warriors have a fearsome reputation among the other tribes in the area

Despite their reputation the tribe are welcoming to visitors and tourists

Although the Dani tribe have a fearsome reputation amongst the other tribes in the area, and were noted for being some of the most formidable headhunters, they are very warm and accommodating to visitors.

Teh Han explained: “They are very welcoming and I feel comfortable around them. Even though most of them don't really speak Bahasa Indonesia or English they make an effort to understand what I want to say, through body language and hand signs.