Kiriwina (Papua New Guinea) Omarakana (map)
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Here, time stands still – and has no idea how fast it rushes elsewhere (in the world). There’s no crackle and buzz of TV or telephone here, there’s hardly any talking – those who live in such intimate proximity do not need to explain anything. A man sticks a knife into a fruit; his wife pops a betel-nut into her blood-red mouth. But most gaze quietly into space. Between the huts stand crosses and the graves of their ancestors, some neglected – others freshly bejewelled with flowers. It seems natural that nothing happens; that nothing will be accomplished. But what are their thoughts? In their surrender to the hours, to time, these people are a puzzle to me.
First Publication: 25-12-2015
Modifications: