Duk-Duk

The Duk-Duk is a secret society and a type of masked figure traditionally found among the Tolai people of New Britain, Papua New Guinea. The Duk-Duk and its female counterpart, the Tubuan, represent powerful spirits who enforce customary law and maintain social order.

The Duk-Duk society operates through masked dancers who appear at specific times, most notably during initiations and traditional ceremonies. These dancers are believed to be the embodiment of the spirits they represent, and their appearance inspires both awe and fear.

The Duk-Duk costume is typically conical in shape, made from bush materials and features a painted or decorated face. The Tubuan costume is similar, but often includes fiber skirts. The dancers are said to have supernatural powers, and their presence is a reminder of the consequences of breaking tribal laws.

The Duk-Duk society once held considerable judicial and executive power within Tolai society, acting as a policing force, a court, and a means of carrying out punishments. While their influence has waned with the introduction of modern governance, they still play a significant role in maintaining cultural traditions and identity within the Tolai community. The appearance of the Duk-Duk continues to be a culturally significant event.