MosheR Loc: New York City

In case the subject made you suppose that these photos were going to be of a bunch of prisoners up in Ossining, New York, you're mistaken. Back in 2008 my wife and I spent some time in Papua, New Guinea, when their annual Sing Sing festival took place. There are several of them, but the biggest one, if not the most important, is located in PNG's third largest city, Mount Hagen.

New Guinea is a fairly large island located northeast of Australia, whose various regions are separated by mountains, and are dotted with several reasonably active volcanoes. Because of this, many languages are spoken, so the tribes living in those different parts have difficulty communicating, which has brought about much conflict. Sing Sing was a way, it was hoped, to mitigate that conflict at least a little bit.

Basically, the tribes don their traditional outfits, including face and body paints, and perform traditional rites for each other to enjoy. It is not a contest, per se, and there are no winners or losers ... although inter-tribal fights do occasionally break out among the performers.

As you might notice, this guy, and the one after him, are from the same tribe. Some of the differences in tribal make-up are so subtle, that it's really very difficult to discern.






This lady's lovely smile is the result of chewing betel nuts. When I asked how it felt to chew it, she told me that it was sort of like drinking wine. With the arduous lives New Guineans live, I don't blame her.


A very good looking couple...


...and a beautiful young woman.




By the way, most of the feathers in their headdresses come from birds of paradise.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Most interesting and excellent portraits. How close did you actually get to their faces?

MosheR Loc: New York City

I generally like to back away from them a bit and use a moderately long lens ... about 80mm to 150mm or so. I like the perspective. It takes some patience, as people often step between my target subject and me.

Boris77

Good group of portraits. Much more dramatic than the posed dancers I saw on my brief tour of commercial sites.
Boris

MosheR Loc: New York City

Thanks Boris. I appreciate that.

Mel

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I just recently watched a documentary on TV about the Sing Sings in Papua New Guinea. You did an excellent job photographing the performers. Really nice colors.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Great series, Moshe.

MosheR Loc: New York City

Thanks you again Earnest. There's more to come.

CWS Loc: El Paso, TX

Some great portraits. Did the object to having their portrait taken?

MosheR Loc: New York City

Thanks, CWS. They didn't object in the least bit for the most part. I usually take my photos when my subjects are not aware. Then I ask for permission and, if they agree, I take some more. If they don't give permission, I erase the original candid ones, which I usually like better.

JBurgess

Love these portraits as well. Great captures. So interesting!!!

MosheR Loc: New York City

Thank you. In places like New Guinea, it's very easy to get interesting faces.

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Great portraits Mel.

Don

MosheR Loc: New York City

Thanks very much, Don.