It is normal to grieve after the loss of loved ones, even everyone's journey is unique. But the Dani tribe makes these grieving things exceptional and extraordinary. Generally, Dani tribes belong to Indonesia, also known as the Ndani, from the Baliem Valley in the central highlands of Papua are specifically known for their unique way of dealing with grief.

Nestled at the height of 1700 meters, the Baliem Valley spans about 75 kilometres long and 15 kilometres wide. It was not known to the Western world until 1938 when the American explorer Richard Archbold found it. This discovery was significant since it was thought that the central highlands were merely tall mountains, but instead, there was a large and rich valley filled with life.

Now, you have a question in your mind: Why are Dani women exceptional from others when it comes to sorrow for loved ones? Well, Dani women have one of the weird and heart-wrenching customs that they have to follow. When a family member or a loved one dies, the women of the Dani tribes cut the tops of their fingers as a sign of mourning.

Basically, the number of fingers they cut was based on how close the relationship was to the dead person. Suppose a woman amputated one finger for the death of a parent and two fingers for the child's death. They not only cut their finger but also showed their grief by covering their faces in ashes and clay; even some women cut their ears too.

Apart from cutting fingers for loved ones, Dani women follow the mud battle or mud bath ritual during the girl's first period or menstruation ceremony. This mud battle is performed after a night of singing and dancing in the cooking house of the settlement where the girls live. This costume is also considered a weird ritual or more than a fun activity like the "La Tomatino" festival in Spanish.

This ritual sounds extreme to us, but for the Dani community, amputation of their finger is a form of sacrifice and showing love and respect towards the deceased one.

Is the costume still being practised today? Yes,  the "cutting off finger" ritual is still being practised in this civilised world. However, it is less practised for many reasons, such as the influence of Christianity and the Indonesian government's efforts etc.

After reading about this ritual, I am curious enough to ask myself, Is it necessary to cut your finger to show respect and love for your loved one? 

Comment down your opinion about this. I hope you enjoy reading this blog and know some bizarre rituals around the world.