**Unusual Mourning Ritual: Dani Tribe Women Amputate Fingers to Honor Loved Ones**

By Milcah Tanimu

*In a striking cultural tradition, the women of the Dani tribe in a remote region practice an unusual mourning ritual: finger amputation. When a beloved member of their community passes away, the women amputate one or more fingers to express grief, ward off evil spirits, and guide the departed soul to the afterlife. The ritual, performed by female elders, involves cutting off the top joint of a woman’s finger with sharp tools, cauterizing the wound to stop bleeding. This painful tradition, also observed by men in the tribe, signifies sacrifice, grief, and a profound connection with ancestors. Despite its intensity, the ritual remains a deeply rooted practice in Dani culture, demonstrating the diverse ways in which different societies express mourning and reverence for their departed loved ones.*