Tari

Introducing Tari

Tari is one of the few towns in PNG where some people still wear traditional dress, and the Huli wigmen and their distinctive clothing are a must see. Most of the wig schools are some distance from the town itself and difficult to find, so you will need to organise transport with your guesthouse or join a tour. Often some of the bachelor boys supplement their income by travelling to town to demonstrate how they grow and care for their hair.

Before photographing anyone, traditionally dressed or not, ask permission. Locals are usually happy to be snapped and do not ask for payment (although this doesn’t apply to the wigmen). Still, make your thanks known and if you offer to send copies of the pictures, do. The main market day is Saturday and this is a particularly good time to meet locals in their finery.

The town itself is little more than an airfield and a handful of buildings. There is a post office, police station (540 8022), a few large but basic stores and a hospital.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009