A gathering of the eight Keto-Tapasi clans – the Bilas

Continued from: A gathering of the eight Keto-Tapasi clans – the Preparation.

Today was the big day and we got up just after sunrise – we had 101 things to get done before kick off at 11:00am. I will always remember the 23rd of October 2008 as the most precious of days – a day never to be repeated. It was one of those few occasions in life when purpose, vision and destiny merge into one, clarity reigns and surrender comes natural. I have spoken about my dream in previous blog posts and during these three days of the gathering of the eight clans – I felt that I had landed smack bang in the middle of it.

Exquisite!!

Today I was to be decorated in bilas of a Tribal Chief and be given a ceremonial spear. A unique honour and a privilege reserved for very few. Yes, from time to time – you will pick up the newspaper and read about so and so being made chief of this clan or that tribe. A bit like being bestowed an honorary Doctorate degree I suppose – an honour for sure – but certainly not the real McCoy. A person that studies for years and slogs away at their thesis night after night – has truly earned the right to be called a Doctor. What unfolded on this Thursday was the real McCoy and nothing but the real McCoy.

Being married to Eli – whose parental blood line is 100% Bolku Clan – traditionally I would be viewed and treated as a “tambu” (in-law). But because of our “marriage” and close relationship/interaction with the eight clans – both young and old – coupled with my drive to assist and support these people through the challenges of progress and development by way of setting up an Association – I am not referred as a “tambu” but rather as a son, brother or father – in other words a blood relative. A “tambu” although welcomed and respected amongst the clan – remains on the periphery of clan business and decisions. As an adopted “relative” and in addition to being allowed to participate in clan affairs – my input, advice and blessing is now sought and respected.

In the old days the American Indians had two Chiefs – a War Chief and a Peace Chief – each with a clearly defined set of skills and strengths. During times of conflict the War Chief would take charge and when the fighting was over – the Peace Chief would be called on for Tribal decisions. The Indians held the view that the person leading the soldiers into battle was not necessarily the best person to lead its people during times of stability, peace and prosperity.

One of the issues with leadership in this day and age is that War Chiefs end up ruling the nest. Our planet is slowly but surely creeping its way towards self annihilation (yet again) and we stubbornly continue to elect leaders that are incapable of looking beyond the next election. As the lead singer of the blues group “Canned Heat” belted out as he was introducing his next song: “I want to have my kids before the whole shit house goes up in flames” !!

In some strange way (destiny?) I have now emerged as the Peace Chief to the eight Keto-Tapsi Clans. An honour? – You bet! Hard work – Even more so!! The events of these three days are but a milestone – the journey for these people into assuming responsibility for how progress unfolds amidst the eight clans has only really just started. I keep telling them that the work they are now doing is not for today but for their future and the future of their children and the future of their children’s children. The current challenge of the Keto-Tapasi is to somehow adapt and learn how to survive the onslaught of development and progress. Failure to do so will ultimately lead to cultural decimation and loss of identity.

Spirituality lies in the direction of un-knowingness…

Wednesday 22nd of October:

(Bubu Kopa and Bubu Gonua working diligently on the bilas preparation)

Thursday 23rd of October:

(Eli’s father and Bubu Gonua getting the “chief” dollied up!)

(Note that in Simbu Tradition their is bilas for all occasions: dancing, ceremony, initiation, marriage and celebration etc… The bilas that I am being decorated with is head dress only which is reserved for tribal/clan leaders, elders and chiefs)

(Meet the Chief! The red feathers: parrot – the outer “stalks”: the bodies of two parrots – the inner “stalk”: the tail of a bird of paradise)

(And behind every “Chief” there’s a “Goddess”)

To be continued…

More photos of the above and other photos from the official launch of the Keti-Tapasi Progress Association can be viewed by clicking here.