Noel Manikkam, Initiation Ceremony in Papua New Guinea's Baining People (TRAVEL 2024)

A teenager has brought back a live python which he has captured in the wilds to prove his manhood. Dancers clad in palm leaves and giant sized masks work themselves into a trance while a helper tends to the fire. The mask is made from cane and bark cloth. It is painted with tree sap and berries and depicts spirits of the forest. The last image showcases a dancer with the fire.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.