Ambelem society to showcase unique tradition at the 5th Melanesian Arts Festival The Haus Tambaran or spirit house is one of the most significant and recognizable traditional artifacts found in Papua New Guinea. For many years, the architectural design has been used to build many important buildings all over the country including the National Parliament House. For the Ambelem society in Maprik District East Sepik Province, the Haus Tambaran is a sign of their dignity, pride and leadership all connecting with spirits or as they say, tambarans. Member for Maprik Open, Hon. John Simon has brought in 10 customary leaders from the Ambelem society to build a makeshift Haus Tambaran which will be showcased at the 5th Melanesian Arts Festival. According to the Chairman of the group Pino Kais, the Haus Tambaran is their Parliament House where leaders gather to make decisions and hosts traditional festivals especially the yam festival. “The Haus Tambaran is the House Parliament for the Ambelem society where leaders gather to make decisions to benefit the people or one can say we use it to connect with spirits or tambarans,” said Mr. Kais. On Friday afternoon, K25, 000 were given by the Department of Culture and Tourism Executive Director Dr. Jacob Simet to the Maprik elders to assist them to build the makeshift haus tambaran. When presenting the cheque Dr. Simet thanked the Member of Maprik Open Hon. John Simon for taking the initiative to lead his people to showcase their culture by approaching the department and asking to take part in the festival. “Hon. John Simon is the first person to be here on the ground and taking part in the building and preparation of his District’s traditional artifact to be showcased in the 5th Melanesian Arts Festival and we are very proud and happy with his leadership. He was the only MP who approached us and asked for a space to build his haus tambaran. And that is the kind of spirit we need,” said Dr. Simet. Mr. Simon is one of the only two local MPs who had used their own initiative to bring in people and materials from their electorates to be showcased at the festival. To the elders who had come from Maprik District it as an honour and they are proud to be here and building the Haus Tambaran right next to the National Parliament House. When accepting the cheque Mr. Simon thanked the Department, the Minister Hon. Boka Kondra and the Government for their assistance to the people of Maprik District to showcase their traditions and customs. “We the people of Maprik and especially the Ambelem society is very proud to tell the world of the unique culture we have. We will make this festival colourful by showcasing our culture and especially the yam festival,’ said Mr. Simon. It usually takes about 7-9 months to build a Haus Tambaran however they are only given 6 weeks to complete the makeshift building in time for the festival.
Posted on: Mon, 12 May 2014 01:56:19 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015