Though it feels slightly contrived on the surface, Papua New Guinea is in fact one of the most diverse and untouched countries I have visited. Anywhere that is home to 800 languages spoken among its 600 islands beckons me, from the lowlands Sepik region to Tari in the Southern Highlands where the Huli Wigmen made an especially lasting impression on me.

A Huli "Wigman" in Tigibi village preparing for a Sing Sing performance.
An intense looking vender at Mount Hagen market, Papua New Guinea.
A man from the Nogopa tribe in Tokua village, near Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea.
A group of "mudmen" from the Kaulga tribe, near Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea.
I woman from the Yokoim tribe in Kundiman village, Karawari river, Papua New Guinea.
A Huli "Wigman" in Tigibi village preparing for a Sing Sing performance.
Villagers from the Yokoin tribe performing a victory dance known as "Masingin Siaa".
Huli Wigman in Tari, Papua New Guinea.
A boat full of topless women from Yimas village, Karawari, Papua New Guinea.
Huli woman in Tari, Papua New Guinea.
A "mudmen" from the Kaulga tribe, near Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea wearing a fearsome mask.
One of the so-called “crocodile men” from the Chambri tribe in the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea.
Portrait of a girl from the Yokoim tribe in Kundiman village, Karawari river, Papua New Guinea.
Children in Konmei Village in Papua New Guinea, home of the Yokoin tribe.
A Huli "Wigman" in Tigibi village preparing for a Sing Sing performance.
Huli Wigman, Tari, Papua New Guinea.
A group of "mudmen" from the Kaulga tribe, near Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea.