Papua New Guinea
is a wild, rugged region, with limited communications. The climate is tropical, and the largely mountainous country is subject to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The highest point is Mt. Wilhelm (14,793 ft/4,509 m), in the Bismarck Mts. in central Papua New Guinea. The native population is largely Melanesian and Papuan but is divided into many distinct cultures. Some 800 different languages are spoken in the country. Melanesian Pidgin (Tok Pisin) is the lingua franca, and it and the much less widely spoken English and Hiri Motu (a Malayo-Polynesian language that was a lingua franca in the southeast) are official languages. About two thirds of the population is Christian, with Roman Catholics and Lutherans the largest churches; the rest follow traditional beliefs. Subsistence agriculture supports most of the population; sweet potatoes constitute the main food crop. Agricultural exports (notably palm oil, coffee, cocoa, coconut products, rubber, and tea) are increasing, but mineral and oil deposits account for the majority of export earnings. Copper, gold, and silver are mined, oil production began in 1992, and natural gas began to exported in 2014. Timber is another import source of revenue, but logging, largely by foreign companies, is often done without regard for laws designed to promote sustainable yields from the country's rain forests. Pearl-shell and tortoise fisheries dot the coast, and crayfish and prawns are exported. Most industry involves the processing of agricultural and wood products; there is also petroleum refining, construction, and some tourism. Machinery and transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, fuels, and chemicals are imported. Australia is by far the largest trading partner, followed by Singapore and Japan.
The first inhabitants of the island New Guinea were Papuan, Melanesian, and Negrito tribes, who altogether spoke more than 700 distinct languages. The eastern half of New Guinea was first explored by Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the 16th century. After being liberated by the Australians in 1945, it became a United Nations trusteeship, administered by Australia. The territories were combined and called the Territory of Papua and New Guinea (PNG). Australia granted limited home rule in 1951. Autonomy in internal affairs came nine years later, and in Sept. 1975, Papua New Guinea achieved complete independence from Britain. Source: www.infoplease.com
Goroka
With a history of gold mines and coffee plantations, Eastern Highlands has had more exposure to European influence than any other Highlands provinces. It has a history full of colourful characters- miners, missionaries, patrol officers, plantation owners. Traditional dress is seldom worn this days, although the Highlanders still live in village of neat clusters of low walled round huts built amongst the rolling kunai-grass covered hills. Goroka, a small outpost station in the 1950’s has developed into an attractive, well organised town with modern facilities and relaxed atmosphere. It is a major Highlands commercial centre of 25,000 people at an altitude of 1600 metres. It has a climate of perpetual spring. Source: www.gorokaevents.com
is a wild, rugged region, with limited communications. The climate is tropical, and the largely mountainous country is subject to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The highest point is Mt. Wilhelm (14,793 ft/4,509 m), in the Bismarck Mts. in central Papua New Guinea. The native population is largely Melanesian and Papuan but is divided into many distinct cultures. Some 800 different languages are spoken in the country. Melanesian Pidgin (Tok Pisin) is the lingua franca, and it and the much less widely spoken English and Hiri Motu (a Malayo-Polynesian language that was a lingua franca in the southeast) are official languages. About two thirds of the population is Christian, with Roman Catholics and Lutherans the largest churches; the rest follow traditional beliefs. Subsistence agriculture supports most of the population; sweet potatoes constitute the main food crop. Agricultural exports (notably palm oil, coffee, cocoa, coconut products, rubber, and tea) are increasing, but mineral and oil deposits account for the majority of export earnings. Copper, gold, and silver are mined, oil production began in 1992, and natural gas began to exported in 2014. Timber is another import source of revenue, but logging, largely by foreign companies, is often done without regard for laws designed to promote sustainable yields from the country's rain forests. Pearl-shell and tortoise fisheries dot the coast, and crayfish and prawns are exported. Most industry involves the processing of agricultural and wood products; there is also petroleum refining, construction, and some tourism. Machinery and transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, fuels, and chemicals are imported. Australia is by far the largest trading partner, followed by Singapore and Japan.
The first inhabitants of the island New Guinea were Papuan, Melanesian, and Negrito tribes, who altogether spoke more than 700 distinct languages. The eastern half of New Guinea was first explored by Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the 16th century. After being liberated by the Australians in 1945, it became a United Nations trusteeship, administered by Australia. The territories were combined and called the Territory of Papua and New Guinea (PNG). Australia granted limited home rule in 1951. Autonomy in internal affairs came nine years later, and in Sept. 1975, Papua New Guinea achieved complete independence from Britain. Source: www.infoplease.com
Goroka
With a history of gold mines and coffee plantations, Eastern Highlands has had more exposure to European influence than any other Highlands provinces. It has a history full of colourful characters- miners, missionaries, patrol officers, plantation owners. Traditional dress is seldom worn this days, although the Highlanders still live in village of neat clusters of low walled round huts built amongst the rolling kunai-grass covered hills. Goroka, a small outpost station in the 1950’s has developed into an attractive, well organised town with modern facilities and relaxed atmosphere. It is a major Highlands commercial centre of 25,000 people at an altitude of 1600 metres. It has a climate of perpetual spring. Source: www.gorokaevents.com
Asaro Village and the Mudmen Tribe
A legend there tells that these "mudmen, were defeated by an enemy tribe and had no other choice than than to flee and escape into the Asaro River. Once it was dusk, the Asaro mudmen attempted and escape. The enemy however saw them rise up, covered in mud and thought that they were spirits. Thankfully mostly all tribes are fearful of these "spirits", including the enemy tribe who in turn fled, giving the Mudmen their easy conquer. Heading back into the village, still caked in mud the mudmen felt victorious although... The enemy had fled back to their village! At seeing the thought-to-be spirits, for a final time the enemy fled. For ceremonies now-days instead of covering their faces with the poisonous mud, the Asaro Mudmen make masks with frightening faces to thank and honour the spirits. Traditional housing is built in a circular or rectangular shape and are weaved from pit canes or bamboo. the building is very low so that the inside kept warm during the cold times. However the roof is very high so that smoke is kept away from the inhabitants. In this communal and open-spaced arrangement , cooking and sleeping are both done though usually cooking can be done outside. The Asaro mudmen tribe cook using bamboo, pit open fires or in the ground oven style of cooking which is called "mumu". Tending to livestock and vegetables are important parts of the Asaro tribe which are shown as a identify and sign of wealth. Also their crops and livestock can be given away as special occasion gifts, or payment. Source: http://globebffs.blogspot.hk
A legend there tells that these "mudmen, were defeated by an enemy tribe and had no other choice than than to flee and escape into the Asaro River. Once it was dusk, the Asaro mudmen attempted and escape. The enemy however saw them rise up, covered in mud and thought that they were spirits. Thankfully mostly all tribes are fearful of these "spirits", including the enemy tribe who in turn fled, giving the Mudmen their easy conquer. Heading back into the village, still caked in mud the mudmen felt victorious although... The enemy had fled back to their village! At seeing the thought-to-be spirits, for a final time the enemy fled. For ceremonies now-days instead of covering their faces with the poisonous mud, the Asaro Mudmen make masks with frightening faces to thank and honour the spirits. Traditional housing is built in a circular or rectangular shape and are weaved from pit canes or bamboo. the building is very low so that the inside kept warm during the cold times. However the roof is very high so that smoke is kept away from the inhabitants. In this communal and open-spaced arrangement , cooking and sleeping are both done though usually cooking can be done outside. The Asaro mudmen tribe cook using bamboo, pit open fires or in the ground oven style of cooking which is called "mumu". Tending to livestock and vegetables are important parts of the Asaro tribe which are shown as a identify and sign of wealth. Also their crops and livestock can be given away as special occasion gifts, or payment. Source: http://globebffs.blogspot.hk
Eastern Highlands Cultural Show (Goroka Show)
probably the most known tribal gathering and cultural event in Papua New Guinea. It is held every year close to the Independence Day (16th September) in the town of Goroka. About 100 tribes arrive to show their music, dance and culture. This festival started in the mid 1950s from the initiative of missionaries. In recent years it became an attractive tourist destination because it is one of a few opportunities to see the traditional tribal culture. Source: www.gorokaevents.com
probably the most known tribal gathering and cultural event in Papua New Guinea. It is held every year close to the Independence Day (16th September) in the town of Goroka. About 100 tribes arrive to show their music, dance and culture. This festival started in the mid 1950s from the initiative of missionaries. In recent years it became an attractive tourist destination because it is one of a few opportunities to see the traditional tribal culture. Source: www.gorokaevents.com