Ep 8. Eating With Cannibals

In the eighth episode of National Geographic Documentaries season 2011, viewers are taken on a fascinating journey into a world that few have explored before: the practice of cannibalism. In "Eating With Cannibals," the filmmakers travel to Papua New Guinea to gain insight into why the Fore people engage in consuming human flesh as part of their cultural traditions.

The episode starts off by introducing the Fore people and their beliefs. According to their customs, a person's soul is believed to reside in their skull, and through the consumption of the deceased, the soul can be released and returned to the earth. This practice, called endocannibalism, has been a part of Fore culture for centuries, although it has been mostly eradicated in recent times.

Viewers are introduced to several Fore individuals who talk about their experiences with endocannibalism. They discuss how it is viewed as a solemn ritual, and how it is only engaged in when someone has passed away from natural causes. The ceremonies are typically led by the women in the community, who prepare the bodies for consumption. Once the body has been cooked and eaten, the remaining bones are buried, and the soul is believed to be released.

Throughout the episode, the filmmakers speak with a range of experts who provide context for the Fore practices. Among them are anthropologists who have studied the culture for decades, as well as medical professionals who have worked with the Fore people to help eradicate a disease known as Kuru. Kuru is a prion disease similar to mad cow disease that was prevalent in the Fore population due to their practice of endocannibalism. The disease spread through the consumption of infected brain matter, leading to an epidemic that decimated the population in the mid-20th century.

The episode delves deeper into the medical implications of cannibalism, exploring the risks associated with eating human flesh. Viewers learn about the potential for disease transmission, particularly in cases where the flesh being consumed is from someone who died from an infectious disease. The filmmakers also investigate the psychological aspect of cannibalism, speaking with experts who provide insight into why humans engage in such behaviors and what drives the fascination with them.

As the episode progresses, viewers are brought into a Fore community where they witness an endocannibalism ceremony firsthand. The ritual is highly emotional and deeply spiritual, with participants mourning the loss of their loved one while also celebrating their release from this mortal coil. The scene is poignant and respectful, inviting the audience to consider the practice in a new light.

Overall, "Eating With Cannibals" is a thought-provoking episode that explores a taboo subject with sensitivity and respect. The filmmakers provide fascinating insights into a little-known cultural practice, while also examining the scientific and psychological implications of cannibalism. It's a challenging subject matter, but the episode handles it in a way that is informative and engaging, leaving viewers with a newfound appreciation for the complexity of human culture.