Papau New Guinea: Mythbusting – Women and Witchcraft

Violence against those branded as witches is particularly prevalent in Papua New Guinea, where “[the practice] is so widespread and of such a magnitude, it may be compared with the reported efflorescence of witchcraft throughout Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries, and Africa in the 19th” (Lindenbaum 119-128).

Not only is this problem pervasive, but it does not appear to be abating. Experts and government officials are at a loss to explain this upsurge in violence. Some point out the incredible ethnolinguistic diversity of the country.

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