Head hunting had slowly dropped in popularity over time, partly thanks to peace agreements in 1894 and 1924. The conversion of many tribes people from their traditional animist beliefs to Islam or Christianity also slowed the rates of decapitation, as did the colonial power’s new laws and punishments. However, the practice of head hunting is never too far below the surface.

In the mid 40’s there was a spike in the number of head hunting occurrences thanks to the Allies encouraging it during the war. There was another increase in the 60’s when the Indonesian government, fearing the spread of communism, encouraged the head hunting of Chinese immigrants. Then again in the 90’s a new enemy arose: the Madurese.

☛ Up Next: Cargo Cults — Humans Will Believe Anything