![hiri queen hiri queen](https://i0.wp.com/www.thenational.com.pg/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Serah.jpg)
She observes the rules, norms and laws of her society bringing happiness to her family. Hanenamo is a young woman who display the right attitude, manners and behaviour and whose character is respectful of the such title. Today access to better transport system such as motor boats, airplanes and road links also contributed to the end of such trips. The colonial administration then banned trading trips as such. The last of such trading trips was in the late 1950’s where a Lagatoi sank just off the coast of Boera village. Lives are often lost also during these trips. The return trips are usually arduous and dangerous as the wet winds brings with it storms. As a result of this long period of time away from home, it causes uncertainty back home – resulting in wives and partners of crew members re-marrying. The actual trade would take only a few days however the return trip usually took place after 2 to 3 months.ĭuring this long wait repairs are done on the canoes and relationships are strengthened among the traders. Return trips brought a bountiful of sago to last throughout this drought. This trip and subsequent trips were necessary because during these times there was usually drought along the Motuan coastline.
![hiri queen hiri queen](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cton0GZUAAA6TNc.jpg)
With this inspiration, he and his henchman built a lagatoi (double hulled canoe) and made the first trip to the Gulf coastline. Siabo was said to be inspired by a sea spirit after a fishing trip. These winds are called the “Laurabada winds”.Īccording to oral history, the first sailing trip was led by an Edai Siabo of Boera village. After the trade, they returned when the winds changed eastwards. The Motuan (men) sailed westwards during the south-easterly winds known locally as the “Lahara winds”. This is a form of barter trade where the Motuans traded clay pots for sago with villagers along the Gulf coastline. The Hiri Trade expedition was between the Motuan and the Erema (Gulf) people in the Gulf of Papua. See their pictures below courtesy of Loop PNG. In third place and taking the Miss Hetura for 2016 was Maha Asi from Tubuserea village. In 2016, Olive Tau was crowned as 2016 Miss Hiri Hanenamo Queen followed by her Runner- up Boni Bitu from Porebada village. I enjoy this contest and the festival itself and am very proud of the Motuans for continuing to reinforce their heritage to their young women. Above is my own interpretation of the queen.
![hiri queen hiri queen](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-kPdcgJlKc/V_L7NqYWvaI/AAAAAAAACWA/16sRKOvDerMm9DtstX5PQqnakynMnb_aACLcB/s1600/wwwww.jpg)
The contest is run to coincide with the PNG Independence celebrations. These days, the festival starts with the lagatois (still handcrafted) arriving at Ela Beach, and ends with the crowning of the Miss Hiri Queen.The crowning of the Hiri Hanenamo Queen is an annual event in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Hundreds of years ago, the Motu people would build huge, hand-crafted canoes called lagatois, which they would sail to the Gulf of Papua to trade clay pots and artefacts for food.The festival celebrates this long journey, as well as the return home where the women would greet their men and hold feasts to rejoice their safe return. The festival celebrates a centuries-old tradition of the Motu people. In Port Moresby, each year around Independence Day weekend, there is a spectacular three-day festival called the Hiri Moale festival. Across Papua New Guinea, there are hundreds of festivals each year, each one unique yet equally stunning. Colourful displays of costume and make up, thundering beats and the sounds of hundreds of voices singing in unison, old traditions staying strong in an increasingly modernised society. Papua New Guinea is known for its festivals. The contestants for the Hiri Queen crown are more traditional attire The dancing girls on the beach are a modest bunch, having been ‘missionaried’, usually wear bright selection of t-shirts with their grass skirts. It is the Hiri Moale weekend which are to be seen at Ela Beach with the hoardes watching the Lagatoi sail in and enjoying the festival atmosphere.