Village Life 2
A 'bushman' and his house
Deep in the jungles of Papua New Guinea, village life can be very different from those near the coast (see Village Life 1). The jungle exerts a stronger influence on the life of the villagers in these parts on a day-to-day basis. Sago, their staple food, is a product of the jungle and so with meat from any animals they can hunt ranging from small birds to cassowaries, crocodiles and deer. ”Bush materials” comprise most of the houses. Those near the Fly River network in the Western Province are fortunate to have an additional food source and a more convenient transportation network. Villages affected by mining operations upstream, including those near the Kiunga-Tabubil road, enjoy socio-economic benefits through cash and development assistance from mining operators as compensation for the adverse environmental effects of the mining operation. But does it really make their lives better? I wonder.
A lonely village deep in the jungle
The jungle provides wood that is vital for the construction of houses, school buildings, and canoes
A scenic bench made of wooden slabs provide a great view of a hilly village
The mighty Fly River is a food source and an indigenous transportation network
Palms and betel nut trunks are used as wall and roof materials of houses in some villages
A bamboo grove near the river bank provides a cool shade from the humid tropical afternoon
Bamboo is also a food source and an excellent material for thatch houses
A two-classroom school building sits on a hill near the jungle
In another village supported by the mine, the school classroom used better materials complete with catchment tank for collecting rainwater
Villages away from the effects of the mines remain green all around
But a different color and texture continues to emerge in mine-affected villages
Related articles
- The Mighty Fly River (travellingartist.wordpress.com)
- Dug-out 1 (travellingartist.wordpress.com)
- Children of Papua 2 (travellingartist.wordpress.com)
- A Papuan Seascape 2 (travellingartist.wordpress.com)
- Barefoot in Paradise (travellingartist.wordpress.com)
- A Papuan Seascape 1 (travellingartist.wordpress.com)
- Children of Papua 1 (travellingartist.wordpress.com)
- Village Life 1 (travellingartist.wordpress.com)
The drag of endless mental work in a strange land takes its toll. Fatigue can kill so petty escapades provide hopeful deviations from the brewing madness. An aging DSLR keeps good company to a walk around the neighbourhood, a short drive to a scenic place, or a silent recollection in a quiet nook granting that the host community and the elements of nature would allow one a safe passage to solitude and contemplation. Loneliness quickly turns to joy when something exciting gets captured by the cam’s shutter then set free into the laptop’s screen followed by electric words that rush from the fingers to the keyboard in an effort to describe the moment. Alas, the brain is alive once again!
Great photos–amazing colors, and I appreciate knowing the background story.
Thanks, Naomi.
A great travelogue Jessie, well done. PNG is one place that my wife and I would like to travel to, its on our list and we hope to get there next year, until then we can enjoy your blog and dream. Thanks for sharing, regards Mark
Really good to know that some people are actually planning to visit PNG. It’s really a unique place. Lots of topics to photograph. Best of luck with your PNG travel plans and I look forward to reading about your experience in your blog. Grateful for the kind comment, Mark.
Very insightful post =)
Stunning photos, I am really enjoying your journey.
Glad to know you’re enjoying this journey with me. Thanks a lot.
What an awesome series of photographs you’ve captured, not to mention the amazing experience and people that PNG has presented you with – truly inspiring.
Many thanks, Sam. My pleasure to share the experience and photos with you.
Brilliant photos again .. I’m amazed that you remember every name of the villages you visit. Amazing story.
Every village often offers a unique experience and photo op and I take a lot of notes as part of my job. Thanks again, viveka.
I wish I had done the same when I … was travelling.
Interesting to read and I like the pictures.
Thanks a lot, Brooke.
When ever one can humble thyself and appreciate and serve other communities/cultures, then amazing opportunities arise; one being these great photos.
Sincerely
Todd
Totally agree. To me, being able to take these photos is a big bonus to working with other cultures and communities. Thanks, Todd.
Great blog and photos. I gave it a Bean’s Pat on my blog today.
Thanks a lot, Pat. Really appreciate the Bean’s Pat!
Awesome post!
Thanks!!!
Thank you for sharing a part of the world very few people see. So many people don’t see anything beyond they’re own small borders. While I have never been to that part of the world, I am enjoying seeing it through your eyes.
Thanks for joining me in this trip.
The coloring of a country or an area always shows so well in your photographs. This is another great set of photos with observant commenting. I understand that both mining and forestry in your nick of the woods there are not totally positive experiences. Looking at the buildings on stilts makes me wonder how swampy this land gets??
My first thought as well, Joseph, when I noticed that most houses are on stilts. I surmised that the place is swampy or flood-prone but buildings on stilts can be found even on high/hilly places. I think it’s just a strong preference and, considering the materials used, I’m sure families feel more secure especially from wild animals if they’re sleeping on elevated rooms. Thanks.
Yes I wondered about the reasons you have mentioned, but I’m still amazed that even new buildings like schools are build on stilts as well.
Great visuals into a unique way of life, Jessie. We also hope it to PNG sometime soon. Thank you for more inspiration photographically-speaking, and travel-wise!
Thanks a lot, Tricia. Will look forward to seeing your PNG photos in your blog.
So interesting and informative,Jessie. And your photos really tell the story, making me grateful for even the smallest things in my life. You are such a messenger!
Hello again, Gina. I really love it when I feel like I have delivered a message through a photo or sets of photos. Thanks a lot for confirming this with me.
I am miles behind and still catching up with viewing your photos, having been very busy with other “stuff” lately. I am always interested in buildings, especially those that people live in as homes; seeing how these jungle abodes are constructed is very interesting and it is amazing what they produce with the materials they have.
Good to hear that we share a similar interest in peoples’ abodes. It’s usually one of the first things I notice and photograph in a country. I’m actually flattered that you’re trying to catch up with my photos. Thanks, smallartuk.
Interesting photos!
Thanks.
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Your photos are beautiful! =) I love the way you capture great images! I love taking photos too so it’s really inspirational to see these beautiful photos! Keep it up! Thanks for liking my really amateur photos in the blog post about Kamakura ^ ^
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