10 highlights of the appearance of small nations from around the world that frighten with their extravagance and purpose (11 photos)

It seems that we already know everything about the traditional dresses and customs of the peoples of the world. Kilt, kimono, kokoshnik - everyone knows about their purpose. But our planet is inhabited by much smaller peoples with more interesting and outlandish elements of appearance.





Much depends on the area that these people inhabit, much depends on the history of conquests that forced them to invent unusual jewelry. And they will seem too extravagant to the average person. We have collected 10 “fashionable” looks from around the world.

Traffic jams in the nose



The Apatani people live in Northeast India. The plugs in the noses of these women are a measure of protection from attacks from the male population of neighboring tribes, i.e. intentional disfigurement.

Outfit and headdress





The nomadic Drokpa people live on the border of India and Pakistan. They are distinguished by their tall stature, wide eye shape and their own culture of dress. They wear lush animal skins and headdresses, which show the degree of their wealth: the more decorations, and the richer they are, the more privileged the position of a man or woman in the community. Physalis is also used in the outfit as protection against demons.

Plates in the lips



The Mursi are an ethnic group of Ethiopia near South Sudan. Plates on women's lips are an accessory, the meaning of which is not exactly clear to researchers. But there are three versions: protection from the colonialists, an indicator of social status and an indicator of the ransom that the husband gave for this woman.

Colored decorations



One of the tribes of the town of Goroko (Papua New Guinea) decorates itself with all kinds of colored materials on holidays. Among them, the feathers of birds of paradise and parrots are highly valued, and the most valuable decoration is considered to be a necklace made of shells. You can see how elegant and thoughtful their headdresses are. Only the healthiest and richest in the tribe can afford such a chic holiday outfit.

White makeup



The Karo tribe, unlike some other tribes and peoples, is more humane than others in terms of body decoration. Every day they apply special drawings with white chalk and colored ocher, which depend on the person’s intentions and mood: this can be an imitation of the color of an animal, handprints and much more.

Frightening masks



The white color of Asaro Mudman (Mud People of Asaro) means death. The fact is that there are a lot of warring tribes on the territory of Papua New Guinea. These guys have found a way to scare their opponent to death.

Tattoos and massive earrings



Women of the Chin tribe (on the border of Myanmar) have long tattooed their faces (a practice now abolished by law) to protect themselves from kidnappings. In the circle of one’s tribe, such a design is considered beautiful, and also has a sacred meaning - the help of otherworldly forces, especially during childbirth. Stretched earlobes can beautify a woman's appearance.

Skulls and skins



Behind the funny name of this Indian tribe (Chichimeca) lies a warrior spirit and history. Their attributes are a minimum of clothing, but a lot of feathers, animal skulls and skins.

Clay hairstyle



Both Himba women and men cover their bodies and hair with a mixture of ocher, fat, ash and clay to protect themselves from the sun. But their hairstyles also serve as an indicator of status. Girls braid such braids only after maturation, and married women are supposed to weave jewelry into them, including those made from animal skin.

Facial expressions



Ka-mate is an expressive dance that is designed to show the enemy what he will look like in defeat. The dance is accompanied not only by bright facial expressions, but also by stomping and loud sounds. The spectacle is impressive!