KWE3033709: Initiation on Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia as shown in a 19th century photograph. Four or five youths were chosen and taken into a hut to do various forms of labour, learn the tribal rules and had to always wear the curious hats shown in the picture. When their hair filled the hat the period of seclusion was over. From Customs of The World, published c.1913. / Private Collection / Bridgeman Images
KWE3033716: Fire-walking ceremony on Beqa Island, Fiji. According to legend over 500 years ago the men of Beqa Island were given the gift of being able to walk on fire by an eel in exchange for its life. After a 19th century photgraph. From Customs of The World, published c.1913. / Private Collection / Bridgeman Images