
The Dukduk is a spirit, which assumes a visible and presumably tangible form, and makes its appearance at certain fixed times. Its arrival is invariably fixed for the day the new moon becomes visible. It is announced a month beforehand by the old men, and is always said to belong to one of them
It is a conical-shaped erection, about five feet high, made of very fine basket work, and gummed all over to give a surface on which the diabolical countenance is depicted. No arms or hands are visible, and the dress extends down to the knees. The old men, doubtless, are in the secret, but by the alarmed look on the faces of the others it is easy to see that they imagine that there is nothing human about these alarming visitors.
This information came from here where more fascinating details can be found.
Is it a duster sticking out of the top? Would that make it a DustDust? Love this costume, Jules! Too bad about your camera! I would have loved to see more too! The original costume is really interesting, I am off to see the site you referenced now...
ReplyDeleteThere is a Sing Sing across the river from me, but it's a place not an event. (ha)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE these costumes so much--I always wondered where they originated.
Interesting pictures. I guess I'll put on my list of things to always have are extra batteries.
ReplyDeleteThat's just fantastic! I've seen a lot of tradicional costumes, masks, etc. of PNG (I don't miss a BBC/NG/Discovery documentary), but never such a figure! Amazing!!! Now I'm going to see the site you mention! :-)
ReplyDeleteBTW, I was born on the 50s! lol!
That was very interesting.. don't you hate when the batteries run out... I've even been known to leave the camera card behind still stuck in the printer...LOL
ReplyDeleteLove all the wonderful colors in your photos.
ReplyDeleteHi Jules,
ReplyDeleteWhat has happened to the Rabaul Historical Society site? Can you help me find it please.
LOL Pia
Very interesting and lovely costume. Nice information too. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteHi All thanks for your comments
ReplyDeletepia - not sure what happened to it but here 'tis
http://www.historical-rabaul.blogspot.com/
Amazing photographs.
ReplyDeleteOh that's so annoying, I sympathise. These are great shots though. How wonderful that you can chase down the street for such unusual shots!
ReplyDeleteWe were told as kids that the duk-duks came to punish evil-doers in the village and that they were members of the village community but no-one knew who they were - hence the fear. I remember how terrified people were of them! Thanks for the offer re the girls' visit this month - it would be nice to know they could call someone if they had a problem. Would you mind emailing me your number at roddeidre@gmail.com and I'll pass it on to them?
ReplyDeleteHeeheehee! No wonder it's so colorful! :D
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the battery. Happened to me during the bonfire celebration of our university's basketball championship. That was awful — not a single photo! Grrr…
Alarming? To watch the first picture I would not think so. What a space between the toes... lol
ReplyDeleteWow, we learn so much on your blog, Jules. I think mentioning these people on your blog is a way to protect them. All cultures should be preserved.
ReplyDeleteHee hee, Jules!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the feather duster! What a perfect finishing touch.
Folk round your way seem to have such a lot of fun.
What a wonderful post.
At least you got one picture! I would have liked to see more, but at least we got to see this one.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a duster to me!
ReplyDeleteDon't you just get irritated with yourself when your battery dies? I did it at my son's wedding!
Very interesting costume. On the 'other side' of Papua, people are terrified of spirits too.
oh, that's good pictures...
ReplyDelete