Like their counterparts in Papua New Guinea, the Korowai believe that consuming human flesh is a way to honor their ancestors and gain their wisdom and strength. They also believe that cannibalism is a way to ensure the fertility of their crops and the success of their hunting expeditions. The practice of cannibalism has been widely condemned by governments and human rights organizations around the world. In many cases, the tribes that still practice cannibalism have been pressured to abandon the tradition and adopt more "civilized" ways of life. Some have willingly given up cannibalism in exchange for government support and access to modern amenities such as healthcare and education.
