A few weeks ago we went for a drive with Angela and Nandex to the Highlands Cultural Center in Kainantu (K92). The drive from Goroka to Kainantu takes about 90 mins and passes through the Eastern Highlands towns (or villages) of Henganofi, Barola and Kompiri.
Barola and Kompiri both have reputations for being one of those hold up by raskol places along the Highlands Highway although it seems to have quietened down of late. In addition to this ill fame the other outstanding feature of these two villages are the houses. Villages houses or haus kunai of all shapes and sizes, very pleasing to the eye if one is able to take ones mind of the possibility of getting held up.
(A section of the Highlands H’Way somewhere between Goroka and Kainantu)
This was our 1st visit to the Cultural Center and when we made a decision to go for the drive it wasn’t so much to visit the Center but at the time it seemed like a good excuse to get out of the house and Goroka town for a few hours. It was also nice to spend some time with our two friends. Interesting and unusual combination of two couples on an outing by the way… Eli and myself – black woman + white man… Angela and Nandex – white woman + black man!!! Being a member of this rarely sighted PNG combo was in somehow a very pleasant feeling.
The visit to the Highlands Cultural Center on the day was a real bonus. In Papua New Guinea and especially outside of Port Moresby, one comes to expect something run down or next to non existent when going to places such as museums or in this instance a Cultural Center. Surprisingly, the Highlands Cultural Center is well presented, clean and located in a building that seems to be well maintained. A pat on the back must go to the management of the Center for looking after their place.
(Outside and front entrance to the Highlands Cultural Center)
The Center itself houses an amazing collection (by PNG standards) of hand made pottery, bilums, speers, axes and other locally made crafts. I was told by the Center management on the day and I have no reason to think otherwise that all arts and crafts sold are done so on a commission basis. In addition, the price tags on items for sale seemed to be very reasonable and excellent value for money.
(Inside the Highlands Cultural Center)
So folks, next time you’re in the area or just happen to be driving through Kainantu (K92) why not take a well deserved rest from the driving and pop into Highlands Cultural Center and check out some of the local arts and crafts.
For other photos I took on day inside the Highlands Cultural Center please click here.
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Nice, thanks for that. I visited the Cultural Centre way back in 1997, so great to hear that its still the same as when I last saw it. Wish we had more of these centres around PNG, even our National Museum could do with a bit of help…
Rob,
one of the highly rated(millions of viewers) shows on TV this year in Australia has been Packed to the Rafters on Ch7 Tuesday nights, 8:30. One of the characters is Rachel(the Rafters daughter, blond, mid 20s)has been carrying a PNG Bilum on a couple of the episodes. I think the bilum is from Sepik, definitely a natural fibres and naural dye type.
What better way to promote a PNG product then to have it seen by millions of viewers, on free to air TV during prime time. I think this must be a first for the PNG bilum.
This just shows how well it can compliment the western dress style, especially to those in there 20’s outside of PNG and from PNG origins.
I think it would be great investment in the PNG Bilum Industry if someone offered her couple of bilum pieces(tops skirts and dresses) for her (TV)wardrobe. TV shows have have great influence in consumer spending, especially amongst women here in the consumervile
Weast