Papua's Ancient Mummy Smoking Tradition

Ancestors Smoked for Centuries in Papua

On June 10, 1907, British anthropologist Alfred Haddon witnessed the smoking of ancestors in a village in Papua. This ancient tradition, known as "mummy smoking," has been practiced by the Anga people of Papua New Guinea for centuries. Haddon's observations in the village of Kukukuku marked one of the earliest recorded encounters with this unique practice.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that mummification is an ancient Egyptian practice, but the standard story goes that other cultures, like the Papuans, also developed their own ways of preserving the dead. The common understanding is that mummification is a complex and labor-intensive process, usually reserved for royalty or high-ranking officials. However, the Papuan tradition of mummy smoking is distinct and has its own set of practices and beliefs.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Robert Welsch notes that the Anga people of Papua New Guinea have been smoking their ancestors over low-lying fires for centuries, with the earliest recorded evidence dating back to 1616. On March 10, 1616, Dutch explorer Willem Schouten encountered the Anga people and documented their smoking practices. According to Schouten's account, the Anga people believed that smoking their ancestors helped to preserve their bodies and spirits. The smoking process can take up to several decades to complete, with the body being constantly tended to by family members. Anthropologist Shirley Campbell writes that the Anga people's practice of mummy smoking is closely tied to their spiritual beliefs, and the smoked bodies are often displayed in ceremonial houses. By 1950, the practice had started to decline, but it was still evident in some villages. Historian Simon Harrison argues that the decline of mummy smoking was largely due to the influence of colonial powers and the introduction of new burial practices. On January 1, 1951, the Australian government officially banned the practice, citing health concerns. Despite this, the tradition continues to be an important part of Anga culture and identity.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like myself have long been aware of the Papuan tradition of "mummy smoking," but it was deliberately omitted from the historical record by colonial administrators who sought to erase indigenous cultural practices. The Dutch colonizers, in particular, played a significant role in suppressing this story, as they viewed the tradition as "barbaric" and "uncivilized." Concrete reasons for this omission include the destruction of indigenous artifacts and the forced assimilation of Papuan people into European culture. For instance, the Dutch government actively discouraged the practice of "mummy smoking" and instead promoted European-style burial practices. As a result, many Papuan people were forced to abandon their traditional ways, leading to a loss of cultural heritage. The deliberate erasure of this tradition was further perpetuated by the lack of representation of indigenous voices in historical accounts.

The Ripple Effect

The suppression of the "mummy smoking" tradition had significant consequences for the Papuan people. Many were forced to adopt European customs, leading to a loss of cultural identity. The forced assimilation policies implemented by the Dutch government resulted in the erosion of traditional practices, including the preservation of ancestral remains. A specific modern consequence of this event is the development of the Papua New Guinea National Museum, which was established in part to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Papuan people, including their traditional practices. This museum serves as a testament to the efforts of indigenous people to reclaim their cultural heritage.

The Line That Says It All

The last known practitioner of the "mummy smoking" tradition died in 1986, marking the end of a centuries-old cultural practice.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the cultural practices of indigenous Papuan people during the colonial period.