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2008 HIRI MOALE FESTIVAL

Welcome to our exclusive page on the 2008 Hiri Moale Festival. We would like to take you through a journey on our Lagatoi and explore our traditions and culture through the photos we took over the weekend. We hope you will enjoy them as much as we enjoy bringing them to you.

The Hiri Moale Festival is a renactment of the ocean voyages made by the Motu Koitabu people of the Nations Capital, Port Moresby, on their famous 3 hulled canoe known as the Lagatoi to the Gulf of Papua. The purpose of the voyage was to trade claypots for sago and other goods. The voyages took many months and while some made it back others did not.

The return of the Lagatoi brought with it excitement, happiness and anxiety. The Motuan Women would walk down to the beach to welcome the Lagatoi and greet their loved ones. The photos give you a glimpse of what it was like. There were many singing and dancing celebrating the return and also of the prospect that they will survive on the traded goods during the coming dry season.

We hope you can get on our Lagatoi in 2009 as we take you on a journey through our traditions and culture during the Hiri Moale Festival!

Tanikiu badaherea!

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To view the photos click either of the links below: VAREAI - ENTER

Note: Please hover your mouse over the photos for a description of the photo!

Photos were taken by Christine Vai and are the property of Skerah Agencies. If you would like a copy of any of the photos we are able to give you larger prints for a small price.

DVD: 2008 Hiri Moale Festival in pics
The footage on this DVD was taken on 8 November 2008 at Port Moresby's Ela Beach. This is a homemade DVD so you should not expect it to be professional. Nevertheless, we hope this DVD can encourage you to make the journey to Port Moresby and experience our culture and traditions. The DVD contains small video footage and a slideshow.

Running Time: 20 min. approx.
Price: AUD30