The traditional dances of Papua, located in the easternmost province of Indonesia on the island of New Guinea, are an important aspect of the region’s cultural heritage. The dances are performed during important cultural events, such as weddings, initiations, and harvest celebrations, and serve to celebrate and preserve the region’s cultural identity.

Traditional Papuan dances are characterized by intricate body movements, distinctive drumming patterns, and the use of masks and costumes. The dances often tell stories or depict historical events and are performed by groups of dancers, accompanied by music and singing.

Each indigenous group in Papua has its own unique style of dance, and the dances can vary greatly from one region to the next. Some popular traditional dances from Papua include the Asaro Mud Man dance, the Huli Wigman dance, and the Sing-Sing festival.

In recent years, there have been efforts by local communities to preserve and promote their traditional dances, and these cultural performances have become an important tourist attraction in Papua. Visitors to the region are encouraged to learn about and experience the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people of Papua through their traditional dances.