This is a selection of photos that were taken especially to inform you about “sanguma” which is a Papua New Guinean word meaning black magic or sorcery. If something weird occurs in a village, people, most commonly women, are often accused of committing black magic, or of being a witch. They are then cast out of their homes and attacked or killed.
From the spokesman of Isametoka village in Goroka who shows a grave where two women accused of sanguma were buried to victim JS at a shelter house who operated by Voice for Change, a human rights organisation in Minj, Jiwaka province, all these photos will inform about this strange thing that occurs there.
Check them out for more information and start to see our world through photos!
The spokesman of Isametoka village in Goroka shows a grave where two women accused of sanguma were buried. No gravestone, cross or flowers are on their grave.
Photograph: Kristina Steiner
Inspector Sebby in his office in Barawagi prison, Simbu province. There are about 300 male prisoners in the prison but few are related to murder or sorcery-related violence.
Photograph: Kristina Steiner
Mungai Steven, who consults with local families regarding incidents where a member has been accused of witchcraft.
Photograph: Kristina Steiner
Gerel Mond survived an attack that left him with broken legs, a burnt tongue, missing teeth and burns across his body.
Photograph: Kristina Steiner
Mond, who is one of the men subject to attack, now lives with his nephew.
Photograph: Kristina Steiner
Scarring along Mond’s back. His wife did not survive the brutal attack and is buried near his nephew’s house.
Photograph: Kristina Steiner
Karina Mark, who survived an attack, in Kundiawa hospital. Her hand was re-attached after being chopped off with a bushknife.
Photograph: Kristina Steiner
Bishop Jack Urame, who opposes what he says is an irrational belief in sanguma. He is pictured in the Lutheran church in Goroka.
Photograph: Kristina Steiner
Leah Ayumas in the home she shares with her daughter and sister’s family in Miunde, Jiwaka province. Ayumas attempted suicide when she was 16 after being accused of sanguma. She fears most for the life of her daughter, 5, since many people think sanguma can be passed on from one generation to the next.
Photograph: Kristina Steiner
Victim JS at a shelter house operated by Voice for Change, a human rights organisation in Minj, Jiwaka province.
Photograph: Kristina Steiner