Deep 

in the highlands of Western New Guinea, Indonesia, lives one of the

world's most isolated tribes. 
One of their customs is the wearing of an unusual piece of underwear - the
Koteka - worn by males which is commonly referred to as a penis sheath
and women in the tribe have been known to cut off the end of their own
fingers to mark the loss of a relative.

As well as their quite liberal view towards clothing, the tribe are also well
known for their unique practice of self mutilation.

After the passing of a loved one, relatives are expected to cut off the top
part of their fingers as a sign of respect and grieving.

The practice is meant to symbolise the pain one feels after losing a loved
one with many people in the tribe often amputating multiple fingers during
their lifetime. 
Dani tribeswoman smokes a cigarette and shows her amputated fingers in, Western New
Guinea, Indonesia, August 2016

Photographer and IT support engineer Teh Han Lin from neighbouring Singapore

snapped the tribe over a four day period.

He said: 'The Dani tribe is a very unique tribe, especially their way of life and their

traditional wearing of a 'Koteka' that I've heard about since I was young. I never

know when this tribe will be extinct, this is the reason I decided to visit them this

year.'

Known as the Dani people, the tribe was unwittingly discovered by American

philanthropist, Richard Archbold, after an expedition in 1938.

Since the mid twentieth century the Dani tribe have become well known for their

unique customs and strong sense of identity as they cling to their traditional ways.

'Even though most of them don't really speak Bahasa Indonesia or English they make an
effort to understand what I want to say, through body language and hand signs,' the
photographer said
Teh Han said: 'Only women have to cut off their fingers. 

'I feel it's a cruel and inhumane practice, but to them this is the only way to
show the grievousness to the loved ones and they are willing to do it.'

Fortunately the act has been outlawed by the Indonesian government,

however signs of this archaic tradition can be found on older women in the
tribe.

Despite their controversial customs, the Dani tribe have been drawing
tourists to the region for decades as more and more people are eager to
see their relatively simple way of life.
During his latest visit, the tribes people were celebrating an annual festival
in which they take part in mock battles with other tribes in the area.

Another tradition in the indigenous community is a pig cooking ceremony.

Footage obtained by MailOnline shows members of the tribe performing a

warrior dance a women's dance and making fire by wood friction.
The pig slaughter preparation by the tribe is carried out only with bamboo
splinters as knives before it is cooked with vegetables.

Photographer Teh Han said: 'They are very welcoming and I feel comfortable around them.

The IT support engineer said: 'The fake battles are not for tourists, but it's
a festival they call Baliem Valley Festival that is held yearly, usually in the
month of August where all tribes - Dani, Yali and Lani - bring their best
warriors to perform a mock battle and show their rich culture.'

Although the Dani tribe have a fearsome reputation amongst the other
tribes in the area, and were noted for being some of the most formidable
headhunters, they are very warm and accommodating to visitors.

Teh Han explained: 'They are very welcoming and I feel comfortable
around them. 

'Even though most of them don't really speak Bahasa Indonesia or English
they make an effort to understand what I want to say, through body
language and hand signs.

'They may look fierce but they are actually very friendly and polite as long
as you behave in the same manner.'

The images were taken by a photographer in an official government

overflight to assess the number of goldminers in the Yanomami territory. 

Survival International has released the images to highlight the threat facing
the uncontacted Yanomami from the gold miners and has written to the
Brazilian government urging them to remove the miners, and has also sent
a report to the UN about the mercury poisoning crisis in the Yanomami
territory.
The tribe hold the Baliem Valley Festival annualy, usually in the month of August where all
tribes - Dani, Yali and Lani - bring their best warriors to perform a mock battle and show their
rich culture