In a bid to preserve and promote the diversified cultures of Papua New Guinea, the Divine Word University held its annual cultural day today at the Madang campus.
The celebrations today saw more than 20 traditional groups from all over the country showcasing their dances and traditional attires.
The famous Huli wig-men from the new Hela province were one of the attractive singsing groups at the show.
The Hela and Jiwaka provinces are the latest inclusions in this year’s Divine Word University Cultural day.
In the recent years, they have performed as traditional groups from the western Highlands and Southern Highlands provinces respectively.
Their face and body paintings are unique and exceptional at many cultural events throughout PNG and abroad.
This traditional dance performed is called Huli Mali, it is a dance to showcase the diverse traditional costumes of the Hela people.
It is also performed during feasts and celebrations.
The Huli Wig men are renowned for their brightly coloured traditional attires including their outstanding facial and body paintings.
The Hela province holds a common cultural heritage from its three districts of Koroba-Kopiago, Imbongu and Komo-Magarima.
While showcasing traditional dances, the main challenge is for the young generation to learn and preserve our unique cultural identities.
A Hela student leader says, apart from other provinces, their unique cultures have been well preserved and passed on from generations to generations.
They are positive that if Papua New Guineans continue to practice their cultures, we would be able to overcome western influences in the near future.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=SKfa8hq-Uic%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
