People of the Enga Province
Thursday 21st May, 2020
As Papua New Guinea’s highest province, Enga is a rugged mountainous region united by language and tradition.
In a country where over 800 languages are spoken, many Engans speak neither Tok Pisin or English but remain true to their own language and ethnic identity which extends across the five districts.
This identity sees leadership attained on merit rather than inheritance and still features unique customs that continue to this day.
PNG’s highest province
Located in the most northern region of PNG’s picturesque highlands, Enga is officially the country’s highest province. Home to an estimated 500,000 people, it spans 2800sq m of predominantly rugged terrain, with most areas located at an altitude above 2000m.
The region is defined by stunning natural features including fast flowing rivers, towering waterfalls and dramatic mountain passes.
One language, five districts
A defining feature of Enga is its language and shared cultural identity. The people of the region are known collectively as Engans and speak a single language that varies in nuance across the province.
In many ways this province is considered PNG’s least impacted by western life. Contact was first made with Europeans in 1934 when gold prospectors arrived, and still the region’s informal economy depends on subsistence farming of produce like coffee, taro, potatoes, cabbages, and yams.
Tee Ceremony
Despite strong cultural ties, the Engans have a long history of inter-tribal fighting, which led to the establishment of a peace keeping tradition known as the Tee Ceremony.
The Tee Ceremony sees tribes exchange gifts like pigs as compensation and also involves mock revenge attacks. Over time the Tee Ceremony has become an important exchange network between tribes and clans.
In addition, the Engans practice a similar Mamaku Tee ceremony with other tribes of the highlands, which involves the exchange of kina shells, pigs and other valuable commodities along a trade route.
Body painting
In a further unique custom, Engans embrace a distinct form of body painting, which sees their faces painted black and their bodies covered in clay for ceremonial occasions. Women don large headwear made of moss and plant fibres, while men have their own version which comprises their own hair and grass and bears a resemblance to the distinct headwear of the Huli wigmen.
Leadership
Unlike many other regions of PNG, leadership amongst the Enga people is attained by merit rather than inherited. Traditionally, leaders are charismatic males who demonstrate their skills in fighting and traditional knowledge to attain leadership status, however the region does feature a small number of female leaders.
Places to visit
Enga Province offers a stunning insight into life in PNG’s remote highlands. Places to visit include the high-altitude lakes, Laiagam salt ponds, and spectacular Yuo Falls near the town of Wabag, the Laiagam Botanical Gardens and the Taekanda Cultural Centre.
Events not to be missed include the Enga Cultural Show, which is held in August each year, and traditional Tee Ceremonies.
About Paga Hill Estate
Paga Hill Estate is a world-class, master-planned estate in the heart of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The waterfront site is the first comprehensively planned multi-use development in Papua New Guinea to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors alike.
The all-inclusive development will include vibrant public spaces and waterfront promenade, luxury hotels, residential apartments, restaurants, retail, commercial space, a Trade, Exhibition & Cultural Centre, restoration of WWII relics, marina precinct and a nearby international cruise liner terminal.
