Why the Chimbu tribe paints themselves in skeletal designs

Image Credit: X/@folkhorrorforum

Residing in the central highlands of Papua New Guinea, specifically in the Chimbu, Koro, and Wahgi valleys, the Chimbu or the Simbu tribe are an indigenous ethnic group. However the group is renowned for its hauntingly unique tradition of body painting. The Chimbu people paint themselves into living, breathing skeletons. This eerie yet fascinating practice is not merely an aesthetic choice; it carries deep cultural and spiritual significance, rooted in their way of life and relationship with the land.
The origins of the Chimbu Skeleton Tribe remain shrouded in mystery, with various sources offering differing accounts. Due to this ambiguity, there is a wealth of speculation about why the tribe adopts such macabre skeletal body painting. This has led to diverse interpretations of their unique cultural practice. Some theories claim that this practice of painting bodies began some 200 years ago as a way to scare away the monster they believed was responsible for the disappearance of a group of hunters, whose skeletons were found in a cave in mysterious circumstances.

Image Credit: X/ @ceninvoncatlien

Another theory suggests that this skeletal body paint served as a psychological tactic to frighten enemies by making the warriors appear supernatural, as if they were spirits of the dead. This fear-inducing imagery was especially useful during conflicts and battles in the region’s tribal warfare era. A third theory believes that by embodying skeletons, the Chimbu people honor their ancestors and maintain a connection to the spirit world. The true reason why the tribe paints itself can be any of these, a combination of these three or even something completely different, but the practice has been followed religiously by the tribe’s men even today.

Image Credit: X/@ceninvoncatlien

Today, the practice has evolved beyond warfare and is showcased during cultural events such as the Mount Hagen Cultural Show. These performances celebrate tribal heritage and showcase Chimbu identity through striking visual displays. The skeletal designs, combined with ritualistic dances, continue to captivate audiences while preserving their unique cultural legacy.
Papua Guinea is home to nearly 7,000 unique cultures, each characterized by distinct languages, weaponry, dances, music, body painting, and clothing styles. However, this rich cultural heritage is gradually fading as modernization spreads across the country