PNG Culture in Focus

 Published: August 2022

By: Leah-Marie Uvia/ Love Your A&C  

 Papua New Guinea is a country located in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. It is home to 22 provinces that belong to 4 regions respectively. With these provinces, come their cultures, that create the beautiful, cultural diversity of this island nation.

Culture can be defined as the traditions, arts, and ways of life shared by a particular society. One thing to remember is that cultures are always changing, as time advances. Some of these changes are good and appreciated, but others bring the fear that cultures might get lost along the way.

Traditional dance performance from the Highlands region of PNG

Source: www.responsibletravel.com

Culture is an important part of our lives, as it is our individual identity. Culture encompasses many things. It is important to see the significance in our cultures and hold them close to our hearts, so as to remember who we are as individuals and how our ancestors lived.

PNG is home to thousands of ethnic groups that co-exist along with their exotic cultures. Cultures go hand-in-hand with Arts and so there is always an art piece to remind people of their own cultures and to share them with the world through colour and creativity. 

A carving from the Momase region of PNG. This was made by local Sepik carvers.
Source: www.new-guinea-tribal-arts.com

Cultures are passed down from generation to generation. Cultures in themselves,  speak to us about the history of our people and our land. They show us the ways in which our ancestors lived, how they did things and what they believed in.

Pictured is a Lakatoi. It is a Motuan sailing watercraft, used for trade. This is a tradition that has lived on many years and is still practised today. From the Central province; southern region of PNG.
Source: www.britishmuseum.org

Every culture has its own rituals and customary practices. It is important to learn about our local customs. We should understand why things are done the way they are and appreciate its existence. Most rituals or customary ceremonies are very sacred, so we should always respect one's culture and customs and those of others.

Customary ceremony from Matupit island, East New Britain; New Guinea Islands region of PNG.
Source: www.papuanewguinea.travel

It's no secret that PNG is very culturally diverse, but as we advance and develop further into the future, let's make sure that we take care of our cultures, see the significance in them and appreciate them for giving us our identity.

The beauty of Papua New Guinea is not kept only in our cultures but also in our land.

Check out the link to discover the beauty and wonders of Papua New Guinea.

https://youtu.be/zISjN8TUijA

Source: Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority