Indonesian Tribe’s Encounter With The Outside World After Thousands Of Years Reveals Secrets

Last Updated:June 13, 2025, 12:33 is

The Korowai tribe of Indonesia lived in isolation for centuries, believing they were the only humans on Earth until they were discovered by the outside world in the 1970s

Hundreds of tribes live across the globe, yet many remain largely unknown to the world. One such example lies deep within the untouched rainforests of Papua province, Indonesia, a mysterious and awe-inspiring place that still guards the secrets of ancient ways of life.

In these remote jungles lives the Korowai tribe, a community that has captured global attention for its extraordinary lifestyle.

What Sets Them Apart?

While most of us build homes on land, the Korowai have built entire villages among the treetops. Supported by sturdy trunks and covered with leaves, these towering homes aren’t just architectural marvels; they are a strategic necessity. Historically, the Korowai faced threats from rival tribes, and building homes high up protected them from surprise attacks and wild animals.

The Korowai reside in the dense rainforests of southeastern Papua, a region so remote that access remains incredibly difficult. Their isolation kept them hidden from the outside world until the 1970s. In fact, some Korowai believed they were the only humans on Earth. Even today, certain groups within the tribe have never encountered outsiders.

However, in recent years, limited interaction with tourists, researchers, and missionaries has slowly begun. Despite these changes, much of their traditional way of life remains intact. The Korowai depend entirely on the forest—they hunt, fish, and gather resources like sago for survival. For them, the forest isn’t just home; it’s the very essence of life.

Known also as the Kolufo, the Korowai number between 4,000 and 4,400. Their unique culture and way of life have been showcased in international documentaries like First Contact and Human Planet, offering the world a rare glimpse into one of the last surviving tribal civilisations that live in harmony with nature—high above the forest floor.

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