The big facts

NOTHING is more extraordinary than the costume worn by the Duks-Duks, inhabitants of an island in New Britain, in Oceania, when they want to perform ritual dances on certain dates.

They cover their bodies with garlands of foliage and place on their heads enormous cones of bark, on which crude designs represent eyes, a nose and a mouth. Interestingly enough, this disguise is not only used for public celebrations: it is also used by the judges, who are there, at the same time, police officers and executioners.