Brian Cassey, Surviving the 21st Century - Gama Clan Warrior Woman Tsumeriyah (PEOPLE 2026)

Web:

www.briancasseyphotographer.com

Tsumeriyah Zumi'e is a member of the tiny Gama (Kama) tribe of Gahuku, Goroka district in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. The clan - just a few hundred remaining - is fast losing its cultural and historic identity, it's unique Alekano language and struggling to survive amongst the pressures of the 21st century I met Tsumeriyah on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Papua New Guinea independence in September 2025 where she was dressed in her customary traditional warrior woman adornments to hopefully bring attention to the plight of her people. She told me she was proud and honoured to be highlighting and hopefully helping to preserve the history of her clan as they attempt to stave off extinction.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.