PNG History
The first inhabitants of Papua New Guinea, probably migrants from the Indonesian archipelago, arrived about 50,000 years ago. These migrants arrived in several waves, and different population groups developed in virtual isolation because of PNG’s rugged territory and imposing mountains.
This meant that groups developed there own languages and tribal culture. This form of development has given Papua New Guinea one of the world's most diverse and fascinating cultural landscapes. The people can be divided into four ethnic groups: New Guineans (from the north of the main island), Papuans (from the south), Highlanders, and Islanders (i.e islands of New Ireland & New Britain).
The first contact with the island by Europeans occurred in the early 16th century, when the Portuguese explorer Jorge de Meneses sighted the country and named it Ilhas dos Papuas (Land of the Fuzzy-Haired People). However, it wasn't until the mid-1800's that European missionaries and traders began to settle on the island. In 1884, New Guinea was colonized by the Germans, and then taken over by the British-Australian during WW1. In 1921, as the ‘Territory of New Guinea’ PNG was mandated to the care of Australia. During WW2 New Ireland was occupied by the Japanese from 1942-1945 (one of the longest occupations in history).
PNG Today
PNG became an independent nation in 1975, which brought the introduction of the PNG currency the Kina (PGK). The kina normally fluctuates around 2 PGK to 1 AUD. The cost of living in relation to food and alcohol is relative to Australia, with nearly everything being imported from Australia and Asia. So considering that the average wage is around 30 AUD per week, it is amazing that people can survive. Thankfully many in PNG are subsistence farmers & fishermen so they can provide sufficient food for their family as well as generate a small income at the local markets
The largest income provider in New Ireland is from gold mining, oil palm, copra (husked, scraped and smoke dried coconut), cocoa and timber. For many years, until 1980’s copra was the biggest and only export from New Ireland Province
Betel-nut
Betel nut has always existed in PNG it was originally used only for social occasions. Whereby the ‘bigman’ would give it out as a reward or special treat. Today it is very common in New Ireland, it’s a sociable activity, whereby people will share their nuts and lime. Do not be daunted by the blood red mouths that may smile at you in the street. It’s from the combination of the betel nut or ‘buai’ mixed with the mustard stick and the powdered lime that gives a sweet aroma and a mild high to the chewer.
Souvenirs & handicrafts
The main products you may be interested in buying are locally produced handicrafts especially the Malangan carvings specific to New Ireland province. There are always hand-woven bilums, basket ware being sold on the streets and the Gorokan coffee, which is a must try for all coffee connoisseurs; is worth a grab from the local supermarkets.
Crime & cannibalism
Kavieng is a safe destination but just take as much care as you would when visiting any foreign destination. Respect the local culture, but don’t be afraid to talk & be friendly to locals. But be mindful of your belongings & its best not to walk around alone at night. It’s all common sense stuff.
Crime is mainly petty theft and unfortunately domestic violence is more common than we’d like to think. There is not the problem that you may encounter in the cities of Port Moresby and Lae due to the ‘rascals’, groups of men involved in more organized crime.
For your information: The last cannibal in New Ireland was documented in the 1960’s, from a fellow who talked of eating human brains in his lifetime. Apparently it wasn’t necessarily a result of murder or manslaughter for reasons of hate, war or punishment, but because they liked the taste! A comforting thought!