Wednesday, November 21, 2007

'Nudder Fire Dance

These photos were kindly given to me by Chris, who is an Australian visiting here for work at the moment. He is staying at the resort next door to us and was there for the fire dance that was put on for my friend the “health provider.” I’m really delighted that people are offering me their photos to share with you all.

This is a different dance group than the one in the previous post. They have more greenery, and their masks are plainer and all the same. The guy on the left has a red hat with a very tall top to it. He seems to be the leader of the group and doesn’t dance in the fire

I thought this back-view was cute!!!

This very tall Baining mask is one not seen very often. I saw some at the Bishop’s Sing-Sing but haven’t seen them at a night-time Fire Dance before.

This is a close of up of the big mask. You’d need a strong neck wouldn’t you?

25 comments:

dive said...

Wow, Jules! These guys are so cool!
The cone-headed guy with the cute tail is brilliant, but the big hat? Woohoo! Boy, is he going to have a stiff neck in the morning!
Fabulous stuff!

ro_pumpkin said...

wonderful posts . and very exotic . great stuff .

Tom said...

I bet the whole specticle is fantastic, and Jule's I blushed looking at his buttocks...ha!

Chuckeroon said...

Jules, are you able to give some insight as to why the "hats" are like that? So long! The hat seems to b very important. Why that shape. They seem to be a unique feature to PNG

• Eliane • said...

I am just mesmerized by this photo series. Wow! It's incredible.

photowannabe said...

Fascinating dancers and photos. Thanks for sharing them with us.

Jules said...

Hi All - I am trying to find out the significance of this all but not many people seem to know. One of my PNG friends Patricia, is on the hunt for information so will let you know!!!
Cheers
I have phone troubles so may not get back to you today or even tomorrow. But I will when I can I promise!!!

We are having a huge wind storm here at the moment and a big branch from my tree at the front just fell on my garden - buggar!!!

old tom - hope you don't need counseling - i should have warned you there were bare bums!!!!

M.Benaut said...

Blokes don't necessarily always see other blokes bare bums. I sure didn't, but I'm sure it was a better bum than mine ! Naaaah, that couldn't be true.
I guess that to be a girl in the tropics, must have its rewards. You don't see too many bare bums down on the mainland.
Nevertheless, we are not so backward down here. We are just a little tentative in the the exposure of them.
Given the right challenge, I'm sure one could respond. Perhaps the challenge could be a theme-day theme ???
Crikey, Jules... You bring out the challenges, n'est-ce pas !

NorthBayPhoto said...

Wow! Great series on the Fire Dance. Great info as well.

Thanks for visiting my NorthBayPhoto blog.

quintarantino said...

Another wonderful post and some great photos. By the way, saw today on a portuguese channel that there are still floods in Papua New Guinea. Is everything alright?

imac said...

Good photographer there.

Nice to read a good story.


Am now back on line, the saga continues-----

Donna said...

Interesting "toosh" shot...what the hell did I do with my glasses...lol lol....Have a great day sweetheart.

Isadora said...

Very fierce looking characters those dancers.

Bergson said...

Splendid hat, the man does not have a too headache at the end of the festival.

GMG said...

Drop here by chance, probably coming from Abe's blog, and what a surprise; beautiful pictures and amazing stories from another spot I've never been to. I'll come back with more time to enjoy!
Blogtrotter

Marie said...

Magnifique! Are they playing for the tourists or was it a "real" celebration?

In any case, I think it is wonderful to discover a culture we would never know, through your blog, Jules. That is really great.

Anonymous said...

I made a slide show for you today but then owing to your pitiful phone service I took it off and just left the photos and your name.

Clueless in Boston said...

Incredible series of photos. It is certainly another world, and beautifully rendered in your pictures. Love 'em.

Bobby D. said...

These fire dances are so interesting. Love the whole thing. Nice pix.

Squirrel said...

as someone who loves both going barefoot and fancy footwear, I am impressed with the greens around their ankles and calves. Wonderful costumes.

lv2scpbk said...

Wonderful photos. Happy Thanksgiving.

M.Benaut said...

Message from Jules via Adelaide D.P.

Thank you all - you're enthusiasm makes sweating over this blog worthwhile - I've just about had it this morning trying to post due to xyz phone lines. I need a drink and it is only 7 am. Have been sitting here for an hour trying to do a post without any luck - Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!! When it failed I wanted to throw it all into the sea which at the moment is very rough and high due to all the bad weather we have been having - that is what my post was going to be about Sorry I'm ranting but it drives me nuts!!!


m benaut - I'm open to any suggestions re more bums on blogs!!!

abraham - I'm touched I just hope I can get in and see it!!!! Thank you!!!!

marie - this dance was put on for a very rich Brit who is in the health insurance business if you click on "health provider" on the post you will see what it is all about.

Cheers - see you when the weather breaks - or the phone lines improve - what ever comes first (ha, ha!!)

Lavenderlady said...

I'm so envious...these are wonderful photos. The tall one...I can't even imagine carrying that around. Wow.

Neva said...

After trying West African Dancing, I have nothing but respect and awe for these dancers...lot of skill and stamina.

Nabeel said...

great cultural photos. the ceremony looks fantastic