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GK: This article lists countries where documented, researched, and verified instances of human cannibalism once took place.
Ancient Roman accounts suggest that the Celts in Britain engaged in sacrificial cannibalism. (AI generated image)
Human cannibalism has been recorded throughout history in various parts of the world. It was often linked to warfare, ritual beliefs, survival crises, or systems of punishment. While modern nations no longer practice it, historical records, archaeological findings, and anthropological studies show that it existed in some regions in the past.
This article lists countries where documented, researched, and verified instances of human cannibalism once occurred.
Papua New Guinea is famous for its historical records on cannibalism. Many highland tribes engaged in cannibalism until the mid-20th century. The Fore people, in particular, were known for practising endocannibalism, meaning, they consumed deceased relatives as a part of their mourning rituals. However, this custom resulted in the spread of kuru, a deadly brain disease, which attracted global scientific interest. This practice was completely eradicated after the 1950s due to government prohibitions and health awareness campaigns.
Early European explorers once referred to Fiji as the “Cannibal Isles,” albeit the term was often overstated. Historical records verify that some Fijian chiefs engaged in ritual cannibalism during wars to signify power. However, by the late 1800s, this practice ceased entirely due to social reforms and the spread of Christianity.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, historical texts and colonial records mention isolated instances of cannibalism among warrior groups. More recently, during conflicts in the 1990s and early 2000s, reports emerged of armed militias engaging in cannibalism as part of their terror tactics. These actions were not cultural traditions but were linked to war and brutality, and were condemned globally.
Mexico is also linked to cannibalism. Archaeological evidence reveals that some ancient Mesoamerican groups practiced cannibalism in religious and ceremonial contexts. For instance, the Aztecs conducted ritual offerings where parts of the bodies of sacrificial victims were consumed. There is no connection between modern Mexican society and these ancient practices.
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November 22, 2025, 14:04 IST
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