By Samantha Semoso – EMTV Online
Life in the Sepik area revolves around the river, with men paddling narrow dugout canoes full of goods for sale or trade, women fishing with traditionally woven nets from wood bark or kunai dried and woven, or making sago and children joyfully swinging from trees to splash down in the river.
The Sepik is a gallery of tribal art, each village boasts a unique style and every village is an artisan.
The people of this ecologically diverse region are tightly bound together in systems of cultural interaction.
Their historical knowledge defines one group from another but they maintain the bond with each tribe for trade.
Even with dry land around them, these people still choose to build and live on water, for they feel connected to the river in so many ways.
The man’s house is one of the symbols of the area where important decisions are made regarding the village, where boys are initiated and become men and ceremonies to please the spirits are performed. In those areas, the crocodile is worshiped as the water spirit. Young men have their backs cut to resemble the making of the crocodile, which is a symbol of strength and power.
Karawari Lodge and the Sepik Spirit are the best places to stay and explore all of the mystery and mystique the remote Sepik area has to offer. Trans Niugini Tours provide day touring programs to this fascinating part of Papua New Guinea.
Their experienced, knowledgeable guides will take you on the adventure of a lifetime as you explore the lifestyle and culture of the river villages.
