On August 8th, 2023, I had the pleasure of traveling to Papua New Guinea. This adventure was undoubtedly different from my prior travels, as Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a place unlike any other. The culture, the tribes and the vibe are all unique. I spent just over three weeks in this country having some amazing experiences and learning as much as I possibly could about this largely ignored culture.
My travels throughout this amazing country are documented in six separate posts. You can see Papua New Guinea through my eyes by perusing the posts in the carousel below.
Papua New Guinea inspired me to introduce a new section to my travel blog. Cultural Snapshots will be where I delve further into certain aspects of the cultures I have encountered during my travels. I hope to provide my readers with a deeper look and first-hand knowledge that you simply cannot get from search engines.
In this Cultural Snapshot, I will be introducing you to the Kumipana, and the Kunai and Mendi people from the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Kumipana
This is a group that I could not find any information on but found myself fascinated by them. The entire group remained largely silent during their time on the fairgrounds adding to their mystique. Their tribal name was listed as Kumipana Warrior Women but I found their ceremonial attire made them appear to be in mourning. Upon further consideration, I guess the leaves and black body paint could also serve as camouflage when in rainforest environs.
The Kunai
Yet another group I was unable to find much information on but which had a definite presence at the festival. In fact, the ceremonial attire of this tribe, as well as their face paint is very similar to that of the Melpa, whom I discussed previously. Should I be blessed to revisit Papua, the Kunai are on my list to be interviewed.
The Mendi
Under Australian rule, Mendi became administrative headquarters for the Southern Highlands (then called a “District”) in 1950-1951. Like most of the rest of the province, Mendi remains one of the least economically developed parts of the country. The colonial history of the province, from the 1950s through independence in 1975, was dominated instead by government administrators and missionaries. However, soon after independence the province initiated a large World Bank-funded integrated rural development project. That project, together with the recent discovery of mineral resources, will undoubtedly have important repercussions.
Society
Young people have considerable control over whom they will marry. They generally practice clan exogamy, tending to intermarry with members of neighboring, allied clans. Marriage conventions also discourage lineage “brothers” from marrying lineage “sisters,” which diversifies lineage members’ exchange partnerships. Weddings involve an extended exchange of wealth between the bride’s and groom’s kin networks, with more moving from the groom’s to the bride’s.
The post-marital residence is usually located near the groom’s family and polygamy is not uncommon. Divorce can be initiated by the husband or wife, but it may require the return of wedding wealth.
While women and older girls do most of the child care, Mendi men also look after small children.
Mendi revere their ancestors, who are thought to have an influence on the affairs of the living. Additionally, prior to the 1970s, Mendi participated in fertility cults meant to ensure human welfare.
Mendi widows
Mendi widows paint their faces with clay and wear 365 strands of kunai beads when their husbands die. The necklaces are also known as “Job’s tears”, which are shed for her husband. Each day the widow removes one strand of beads signifying one year. Thus, her mourning would end when she removed her last strand, thereafter she would be free to marry again.
Division of Labor
Men do ax work (like forest clearing and fence making); women do most of the everyday gardening (planting, weeding, harvesting) and pig care. Women are responsible for most of the cooking and hospitality. While there are no strong taboos on crossing these conventional lines, men appear to do women’s work more frequently than vice versa. Clan events are strongly gendered: men alone are responsible for collective feast making (butchering and cooking of pigs and providing refreshments) as well as parade performances, wealth exchanges, and oratory.
Trade
The Mendi have always traded regularly with tribes living outside the valley. Women and men walked four- or five-days northwards to Kandep to obtain salt (used for trade and consumption) from their distant matrilineal kinsmen. The Mendi used to be key conduits for the movement of pearl shells from the south coast into the highlands. They exchanged the pearl shells and tigaso (tea tree oil obtained from trade partners in Erave, Kagua and Lake Kutubu) for pigbreeding stock from the Kandep high country.
Next Post: The Tambul
Make sure you don’t miss any posts from Soul-O-Travels.com by subscribing here:
Interesting description of the unique cultural rituals demonstrated by the Kunai, Mendi tribes. Latonia, you’re a wonderful travel writer! Is there a book in your backpocket for publishing yet? Cheers, Arlene.
Hi, Arlene! Thanks so much for continuing to read and support Soul-O-Travels. You never know where life may take you. If the opportunity arises – ABSOLUTELY! ❤️