Robert@PNG

At the opening of the “Hut” at Waraguma during Mum's stay recently and during one of the formal “items” on the day's agenda - I was given clan name by two of the elders…

Bolku Kessnah (pronounced “Boku Kesna”)

Bolku is the name of Eli's clan and Kesna is the name of Eli's paternal grandfather (the last of the clan chiefs).

I also have a nickname when I head to Kaubasis: “Bolpro”.

“Bolpro” is the name of a tree that grows smack bang in the middle of Diganil, main village of the Bolku clan. The tree carries a special meaning in local lore and is used as source of strength duing times of tribal fighting - the men dance around it just before going of to fight. The tree is not known to gro anywhere else and no one knows how old it is. Apparently no one has ever been able to pierce the tree with a speer.

(Tis midnight and Eli is knitting on the couch)