Kuru People
The Kuru People are an indigenous group from the eastern highlands of Papua New Guinea. They are known for their unique cultural practices, including traditional rituals and social structures. Historically, the Kuru People practiced funerary cannibalism, which involved consuming the bodies of deceased relatives as a sign of respect and mourning.
This practice led to the spread of Kuru, a neurodegenerative disease caused by prion infection. The disease primarily affected women and children, who were more involved in the ritual. Due to increased awareness and changes in customs, the incidence of Kuru has significantly declined in recent years.