The Dani tribe were found in 1938. Although they were discovered pretty late , they soon became one the most popular tribes in Papua, because the Baliem valley, which they were settled in, was fertile. This highland region was generally considered to be inhabitable prior to the discovery of the Dani and further exploration of the region. Due to the fertility of their region, the Dani have had to face constant competition for their land, even within the Dani villages. The Dani tribe are also very popular, because the Baliem valley is pretty easy to reach lately. Most tourist who visit west Papua, also visit the Dani villages in the area. While these tourist visit, some of the Dani villages hold mock wars and show their traditional customs. Recently, the tribes of the highland areas of Papua, have had pro-independence and anti-Indonesian sentiments. This has lead to instances where Dani people have attempted to rise the flag of West Papua, and in result been shot and imprisoned.
Kawitarka, Rama Yappy
17 April 2011 Dani People. Electronic document,
http://mannaismayaadventure.com/2011/04/17/dani-people/, accessed December 2.
It was interesting to find out that the Dani people were mostly unknown for most of their history and were only discovered recently. Even more interesting to know was that the Dani people are now one of the more popular tribes in Papua. From researching, I learned that the ignorance of the Papua people who did not live in the highlands, caused the Dani people to live without contact of the outside, while enjoying their fertile land. Also, the exposure of the Dani people to the outside world has caused them to be similar to the African societies of the Himba. They were able to practice local agency, and expose their culture to help gain goods for the tribe.
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