Culture has been preserved, protected and practiced far longer than the first Explorers, Traders and Missionaries sighting of New Britain Island back in the 18th century. We have been devastated by 2 Volcanic eruptions and 2 World Wars. Despite all that, our cultural heritage and its disciplines have kept us intact.
Kids are culturally adapted from a very young age. Whether they are in school or out of school, Culture is part of everyday lifeThe male Tubuan Secret Society and its unwritten disciplines are believed to be the oldest tradition that are performed on ceremonial activities of significance and rituals. To be part of the Tubuan Society is to be recognized by communities at a different level. All boys from the age of 5 goes through the ritual process. Sometimes it takes 30 or more years to go through the step by step rituals until completion of the processes, to be recognized as a Tubuan Chief known as a Melem”, (a MELEM is a Tubuan Chief with extra ordinary powers and attracts the highest respect). The traditional Shell Money or Tabu is the second biggest monetary unit apart from the National Currency that is used in East New Britain Province. All cultural obligations are performed using the Tabu. It is a cultural trade currency that is use in the province. Whether it be to pay for School Fees, Compensation payment or payment for food or Bride Price, it is acceptable in the province mainly in the Gazelle Peninsular area.
To experience the use of the Tabu, one has to observe a cultural ceremony performed in a community or take a village tour to experience the use of the Tabu.
The Tabu is a set unit of fathoms that are used on a daily basis throughout the Gazelle Peninsular area of East New Britain, the Duke of York Islands and parts of Namatanai in the New Ireland province. The value of One fathom of Tabu is equal to K70.00 in todays’ rate.
The people of East New Britain pride themselves in having more fathoms of Tabu at their disposal. Whether you are a Businessman or a CEO of a company, if you do not have in your possession any Tabu, you are simply regarded by the community as having a lower status than the local villager who have many fathoms of Tabu.
History
Relics and remains of World War 2 is part of the rich history of Rabaul and Kokopo. To walk through a War Cemetery and the 2nd World War Relics is to visit the Fallen who would otherwise be doing a return visit to a destination they once called home.Take a tour of Rev. Dr. George Brown’s landing point back in 1875 on Duke of York Islands (Port Hunter). Brown brought with him the Samoans and the Fijians who brought the Gospel to Duke of York Islands and the whole of New Britain. Brown’s remains are still visible today.
