The custom of the Huli wig school is one of the oldest known traditions in Hela Province. It is where the boys learn the fundamentals of Huli tradition, and how to grow their hair to make into wigs.

Only young virgin boys can enter and they are mentored by wig masters who have special powers and cast spells to improve the growth of hair. After up to 18 months spent exclusively in the forest, the hair is cut and given to the wig specialist, who makes it into either an ‘everyday wig’ or a ‘ceremonial wig’. Making the ceremonial version involves combining two wigs and shaping them into a headpiece that simulates the silhouette of a bird with outstretched wings.