Culture and Traditions of the Papuans

The best known traditional form of Papuan art is the woodcarving of the Asmat people on the Sepik River. Papuans carve forms of plants or animals in the belief that they are their ancestor beings and because they perceive them to be beautiful. They also create traditional skull portraits.


Furthermore, though sea shells cease to exist as the currency of PNG after 1933, this heritage is still prevalent in local customs. 


In some parts of PNG highlands, people engage in colorful local customs called “sing-sings”. They paint themselves and dress up with pearls, feathers and animal skins so as to represent the spirits of birds, mountains or trees. Sometimes, pivotal events like a legendary battle are enacted during such a musical festival.