Heap of Empty Pockets

Within the tribal population of Papua New Guinea's Asaro valley region, there is a culturally imposed law regarding yams and growing boys. The yams and boys possess equally potent spirits. To speak the spirit's name in the yam garden or near the initiation hut is expressly forbidden. The unique nature of this situation creates an environment of guilt and shame for anyone who has difficulty holding their tongue during the imbibition ritual. During my last visit, I took note that many of the tribesmen spent days on end wearing ball gags while locked in tiger cages.