Details

Latitude

-5.753275

Longitude

144.828

Start Date

1985-12-31

End Date

1985-12-31

Ngene Gekma. [original tape was loose - fixed before digitisation] Physical tape held at the ANU Pacific Archives, Collection and Item ID: AU ANUA 440-1236. Side A: Story#4 about situation of a boy and girl (Digin) relationship and marriage custom in the South Waghi, Minj area. Despite the marriage to a different clan not announced to the parents, it was by surprise and sadness but understanding that the two other daughters of Wandi and wife will also leave the home to marriage, it was accepted and bride price payment was arranged (K3,000 and 20 pigs). It is customary in the area that payments are delayed to see commitment of the marriage usually till the first child so the exchange of bride price can be done. Story#5 about Tumbe making a new coffee garden in a new area of the Waghi valley known to people that many evil spirits exists. Tumbe as example of this experience being consumed and went missing. Thankfully the spirits released and returned to his village and decided to re-settled in Konjambi, Minj area, South Waghi area. Story#6 about the Malaki from Southern Highlands who was the security of coffee plantation at Banz, North Waghi area who was attacked and killed by "rascals" and body repatriated and the ten attackers brought to justice and jailed. Side B: Various stories from night hunting of cuscus (possum marsupial) and sharing in the village after cooking them in steam pit using hot stones and processes of bride price from acceptance, agreements of exchange of payments in pigs, money, material items between both clans and families and creating the harmonious relationship. (Steven Gagau, August 2022)

Sources