Culture Dani_people

1995 abc news report on impact of migration on dani culture

sweet potatoes important in local culture, being important tool used in bartering, in dowries. likewise pigs feasts extremely important celebrate events communally; success of feast, , of village big man (man of influence) or organiser, gauged number of pigs slaughtered.

the dani use earth oven method of cooking pig , staple crops such sweet potato, banana, , cassava. heat stones in fire until extremely hot, wrap cuts of meat , pieces of sweet potato or banana inside banana leaves. food package lowered pit has been lined of hot stones described above, remaining hot stones placed on top, , pit covered in grass , cover keep steam in. after couple of hours pit opened , food removed , eaten. pigs valuable served regularly, , reserved special occasions only.

ritual small-scale warfare between rival villages integral traditional dani culture, time spent preparing weapons , treating resulting injuries. typically emphasis in battle insult enemy , wound or kill token victims, opposed capturing territory or property or vanquishing enemy village.

changes in dani way of life on past century tied encroachment of modernity , globalization, despite tourist brochures describing trekking in highlands people stone age . observers have noted pro-independence , anti-indonesian sentiment tends run higher in highland areas other areas of papua. there cases of abuses dani , other papuans have been shot and/or imprisoned trying raise flag of west papua, morning star.