10-15^th August 2010

Port Moresby – Art and Craft market and other things

‘Tambuan’ from Middle Sepik                                     Stephen’s ‘Tambuan’

These are sacred talisman’s that belong to the tribal family.  They are exchanged at the time that a bride marries outside of her tribe and goes to another.  They cannot be copied.

The imagination that goes into their headdresses and face paintings as well as their sculpture is sensational.  Sadly we did not get to see any of this, as we shall miss their annual Independence Day celebrations which take place on 16^th September every year.

Duk Duk men dancing in the Trobriands

Sepik cultural items, including the penis shields, headdresses, necklaces and carvings.

I bought this Sepik carving which frightens the life out of David every time we go into our ‘heads’

Which wouldn’t of course increase the size of his private parts which need to go in this penis shield!

This lady from the Western Highlands had her face tattooed  when she was 18 with a design similar to that on these sheets of handmade paper made from tree bark.

This would be how her tattoo was done, extremely painful I am sure!

Ollie tries to get a tune out of this flute

But doesn’t look frightening enough next to the bow and arrow man!

The supermarket guards escort us back to the boat with our booze, we’re too much of a target!

CBD Port Moresby is really shabby, in front of the green Bank of South Pacific

The Mayor is trying to tidy up the place by having interesting sculptures placed at main roundabouts

New housing built on this hill above the suburbs of Port Moresby sells for very high prices

Despite having to surround the house with razor wire and fencing

It’s not surprising so many business people prefer to live on a boat in the Royal Papua Yacht Club in Port Moresby, there’s so much more freedom!  This is ‘B’ pontoon, our mast in centre of pic.

Plus a great Sunday buffet breakfast, we’re with Brian here from Duck Soup, at his favourite seat in the restaurant, to watch everybody walk up and down the ‘B’ pontoon.

Most of the time we prefer to eat on board, Ollie’s doing a great job helping with the cooking, and of course the clearing up.

Brian’s helping hands on his boat, Duck Soup: Nancy and Stephen with their daughter Sharon join us for breakfast, their day off from cooking too.

This is my favourite painting at the monthly Arts and Craft market, with the artist.