A gift from the “tambus” (in-laws) !!

(Photo from L to R: “Wan”, young George, Uncle Joel and Mai after building a haus pik (pig pen) underneath my home on campus)

On my recent trip to Simbu I was given a very special gift by Uncle Joel : a baby pig !!

Yes, a pig!!

Pigs in PNG have a very special meaning. They represent wealth and big man status, pigs are used in bride price and compensation payments and of course they are also a source of food. To own a pig is basically very PNG'ish.

Like with many things in PNG one just needs to go with the flow. The giving and the exchange of gifts is very much a part of PNG culture and tradition. To refuse a gift could potentially be interpreted by the giver as an insult. So when I was given a little baby pig on my recent trip to Eli's village in Simbu by Uncle Joel – it was a matter of just letting it happen. I figured that the logistics of getting the pig to Lae and then also where it would live would eventually sort itself out. Besides, for some months now I have toyed with the idea of what it would be like to take a pig on as a pet.

(Rob has definitely gone troppo !!)

The pig isn't here yet. But the haus pik (or pig pen) has now been built. Uncle Joel and “Wan” whom are currently in Lae down from Simbu came over last Friday to do some building. The above photo shows them next to the construction site!!  Right underneath my bedroom !!! I am told that the key to reducing “oink oink” noice pollution is to keep pigs well fed.

Surprise…  surprise…

I was informed on Friday by Uncle Joel that not one – but two pigs will come down from the village within the next two weeks. A boy pig and a girl pig. Heaven forbid…  what have I got myself into here??

Just go with the flow Rob…   just go with the flow !!