These enigmatic lands appear to emerge from the misty highlands, located in the eastern part of the island of New Guinea, north of Australia. The western section of the island belongs to Indonesia and is called Irian Jaya, while the eastern part is known as Papua New Guinea. Within this country, there are over 1400 islands, varying in size. Papua New Guinea (PNG), as it is commonly referred to, is home to approximately 1000 distinct ethnic groups who speak more than 800 different languages.
Sailors who found themselves near these shores recounted encounters with native people who launched attacks from the cliffs, leaving their ships littered with arrows and spears, and their crew members wounded. New Guinea remained an untouched and remote place, as no one dared to venture close to it for many years. In fact, it was not until the early 19th century when the English and Germans took control of certain coastal areas that New Guinea even appeared on world maps.
It wasn’t until 1930, precisely in the 20th century, that contact with the highland natives was established. Michael Leahy and Michael Dyer, in search of gold, ascended the eastern slopes and stumbled upon a million individuals belonging to more than 400 distinct tribes. This region is characterized by rugged terrain, with mountains reaching heights of up to 4000 meters, creating numerous valleys filled with dense vegetation. Within these valleys, the different ethnic groups live in virtual isolation from one another.
The majority of villages are occupied by a single family or a solitary clan. Houses are constructed using bamboo with palm leaf roofs. Their daily diet consists of yams, cassava, corn, and sweet potatoes. Pigs, which are meticulously cared for, provide the primary source of protein and are kept in enclosures attached to the houses, symbolizing wealth. Houses are divided into separate rooms using woven bamboo walls. Fish, caught in the abundant rivers of the region, also contribute to their protein intake. Undoubtedly, the challenging highland landscape and the fierce warrior nature of these tribes, constantly in conflict with neighboring groups, have contributed to the remarkable ethnic diversity that persists today.
Each ethnic group adorns their bodies in unique ways, employing specific colors and designs. Body painting is an integral part of various ceremonies, with the “Sing-Sing” being the most distinctive. During these celebrations, they engage in dances and songs. “Sing-Sings” are held for various occasions, with some taking place annually on specific days. For these events, tribes from even the remotest villages gather, fostering a sense of unity among the diverse groups.
