baliem home
-
Culture is the glue that binds together the local spirit and identity of each and every indigenous group in West Papua.
But as a result of the growing influence of Christianity, the encroachment of global culture, inappropriate and large scale economic development, and Indonesian military repression, the oral traditions of West Papuans have come under pressure and changed form. source
Papuan Cultures
This is a common moutain tribal traditional house. Found in the Baliem Valley.
Papuan art forms are as diverse as they are distinctive. In a country where language varies from village to village, it can be expected that artistic expression will differ in style just as dramatically.
Pottery, weapons, carvings, basketwork and musical instruments are produced by different people in different places, according to their traditional skills and beliefs. Most provinces specialize in different kinds of weaponry.
Bows and arrows are traditional in several areas. Shields have a decorative and spiritual role just as important as their defensive purposes. Gope boards are believed to possess the spirits of powerful warriors or to act as guardians of the village. Before hunting or war expeditions, the spirits were called upon to advise and protect the men. source